Bessie Nikas

Bessie Nikas, longtime resident of Atlanta and a member of the Greek-American community, passed away Monday morning at the age of 89. Mrs. Nikas was a classic “old Atlantan,” raised by hardworking immigrants in what was then a smaller place, who as a wife and mother planted deep roots here and contributed to the young city’s growth. She leaves behind a legacy of happy times, deep love of family and a celebration of food and culture. Mrs. Nikas, the daughter of Helen and Gus Vasilopoulos, graduated from Girls High School. She married Angelo George Nikas and they raised three beautiful children. For many years she worked side by side with her husband, a partner in the Camellia Garden restaurant, a well-known hub of local businesspeople and politicos in the 1950s and ’60s. She also worked 16 years at another family business, Seals & Stamps in Marietta. Over the years she sang in the choir of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation and was active in several social organizations, such as the Maids of Athens, Daughters of Penelope and Philoptochos. She later taught cooking at the Atlanta Area Technical School. Every holiday was the occasion for a party, and her Rebel Trail home hosted many lively gatherings that featured delicious Greek pastries made by her and other family members. Mrs. Nikas is survived by daughters Mary Ann Hiett and Elaine Faith; son George Nikas; daughter-in-law Kris Nikas; sons-in-law Scott Hiett and Bob Faith; grandchildren Sandy Clark (husband Joe), Micky Faith, Angelo Nikas, and Jessica Orians (husband Sean); great-grandchildren Zoe and Morgan Clark, Madison Faith, and Jackson and Mary Emerson Orians; sisters Barbara Makris and Mary Anason; and many other family members. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, at H.M. Patterson & Son, 4550 Peachtree Rd N.E., Brookhaven, Ga., 30319, with visitation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Rd., NE, Atlanta, Ga., 30329. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta.