Eula Mae Hale Ballew

An Athens native, Eula Mae was born May 23, 1933, to the late M. D. Hale and Susie Hollis Hale. She graduated from Athens High School, and married James Ballew in June 1951, making a home and raising two sons and one daughter. She worked at Woolworth’s five and dime store, and several other jobs before finding one that combined her passions of service to others and food. She went to work for the Clarke County School District and retired after many years as the school cafeteria manager at Hilsman Middle School. After retirement, Mae remained a devoted Atlanta Braves fan, and continued the tradition of a true southern cook, meaning no one: family, friend, delivery person, not a single solitary soul ever left her home hungry, or without a plate overflowing with deliciousness from her kitchen for later. If she met you, she fed you, sharing food was her love in action.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Bascum Ballew; a brother, M. Durham “Red” Hale; and sisters Avie Spinks, Allene Turner and Jean Goddard.

Survivors include sons, Lee Ballew (Pam) of Athens, Randy Ballew (Sherri) of Watkinsville and daughter Rhonda Nagel (Chris) of Flowery Branch; four grandchildren, Kayla Ballew of Athens, Morgan Ballew of Warner Robins, Dylan Ballew of Athens, and Kelsie Ballew of Watkinsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private graveside services will be held.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to St. Mary’s Home Hospice, especially to nurses Linda and Sonya, and CAs Leah and Cierra for their loving care and to all the hospice staff for their kindness and compassion given to our mom over the past two and a half years.

Online condolences may be made at www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.