Elia Nevarez-McCoy

She was born in Falfurrias, Texas on April 18, 1948, to Ernesto and Herminia Nevarez. Elia graduated from West Oso High school in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1967.

Lovingly referred to as Ellie, she enjoyed social gatherings and would flutter like a butterfly while enjoying the presence of friends. She was never one to turn down a Friday night of dominoes at Britt David Baptist Church.

Elia worked various jobs, but the most fulfilling for her was as a paraprofessional at South Columbus Elementary School. She enjoyed the children and assisting the Spanish-speaking families. Elia was fluent in Spanish, English, and American Sign Language.

Her 20 years as a breast cancer survivor exemplify Ellie's warrior spirit and great faith in her personal Savior, Jesus Christ. She stood firmly on His promises each day.

Elia is preceded in death by her parents, Ernesto and Herminia Nevarez; her sisters, Isabel Guiterrez, Irma Isabeles, and Gloria Duckworth; and her first husband, Genaro Bernal. Ellie leaves behind their four children, Julia (Ronald) Self, David Bernal, Gloria (Randy) Askew, and Sylvia (Doug Dickerson) Bernal, and her siblings; Enedelia (Ben) Gomez, Elma (Hector) Balboa, Ernesto (Birgit) Nevarez, Jr., David (Sandra) Nevarez and Daniel Nevarez, an abundance of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Lastly, Ellie leaves behind her husband of seven years, Mr. James B. McCoy.

In her last days, Elia requested that her services be a celebration of life. She wanted all attendees to wear her beloved vibrant colors of red, yellow, pink, or any color that brings you joy. Join us in celebrating our butterfly princess.

Elia also requested that in lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to Relay for Life of Muscogee County, Relayforlife.org/muscogeega or The American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/.

Georgia Services

A Visitation of Family and Friends will be held on September 16, 2022, at 5:00 pm at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia. A Celebration of Elia's Life will be held on September 17, 2022, at 11:00 am at Britt David Baptist Church, 2801 W Britt David Rd, Columbus, GA.

Texas Services

A Celebration of Elia's Life will also be held in Grand Prairie, TX at First Baptist Church Grand Prairie, 950 Mayfield Rd. Grand Prairie, TX; a celebration of Elia's Life will be held at 11:00 am, the visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Nevarez-McCoy family.