Eugenia Duvall Vincent

To know Eugenia was to know a woman who was both strong and gentle. She had a quiet strength that carried her through life, but her heart was tender, generous, and always looking for ways to care for others. She had a way of putting the needs of those she loved before her own and creating warmth and belonging wherever she went.

Eugenia adored her family. Her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews were among the greatest joys of her life. She once said that she had discovered why God had placed her on this earth: “to be a grandmother.” Her grandchildren were her entire heart.

She is survived by her son, Lowell Gene Vincent II; her daughter, Marcella Vincent Baker, and son-in-law, Robert Clayton Baker Jr.; and her beloved grandchildren, Robert Clayton Baker III, Ashton Elizabeth Baker, and Elliot Vincent Baker. She was preceded in death by her son, Clarence Duvall Vincent.

She is also survived by her beloved baby brother, Thomas Jeffries Duvall, and his wife, Joyce Bailey Duvall, as well as her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Ann Vincent Thrower.

Tom Jeff held an especially precious place in Eugenia’s heart. He was not simply her little brother; he was someone she treasured deeply throughout her entire life. Their bond was filled with love, affection, and the special closeness that only siblings who have shared a lifetime can understand. She was immensely proud of her baby brother and loved him dearly.

Eugenia and Ann became best friends as little girls in Childersburg in the third grade. Eugenia later married Ann’s brother, Gene, and although their marriage ended, Eugenia and Gene remained close until his passing. Her friendship with Ann surpassed over eight decades…a true friendship indeed.

Eugenia moved from Kentucky to Alabama when she was seven, but Kentucky always remained special to her. She treasured the summers she spent at her grandparents’ home in Pikeville where she could simply be a child. At Childersburg High School, she played snare drum in the band, played on the girls’ basketball team, and enjoyed tennis.

She worked for many years in her father’s clothing store, Duvys, and later continued her career in retail until retiring from EBSCO. She then devoted herself to helping care for her grandchildren—one of the greatest joys of her life.

Eugenia found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. She loved her church and, well into her 80s, walked the two blocks to attend. She loved her flower garden and continued cutting the grass herself until just two summers ago. She loved decorating for every occasion and shopping—especially for shoes—and never met a pearl or red lipstick she didn’t like. She was a wonderful cook, and some of her grandchildren’s most cherished memories revolve around the food she made because, somehow, Gigi’s cooking always made them feel especially loved.

She loved animals, especially kittens. She loved anything purple or chocolate. And she was an avid Auburn fan, cheering them on no matter the sport.

Most of all, Eugenia loved people. She had a gift for creating friendships and family wherever she went. During the last 19 months of her life, she was dearly loved by the family she created at Sylacauga Health and Rehab, where she became a cherished part of the lives of those who cared for her.

Eugenia leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, resilience, family, and love. She taught those around her that strength can be gentle, that caring for others is one of life’s greatest gifts, and that a life well lived is measured by the love we give and receive.

She was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was Gigi—a woman whose greatest joy was loving her family and whose greatest gift was making each person she loved feel special.

We were blessed to know her. We were blessed to love her. And we will carry her with us, always.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 3, at 2:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Childersburg. Visitation will be held from 1:00–2:00 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Eugenia’s memory to the Sylacauga Animal Shelter.

Rest peacefully, Gigi. You were loved more than words could ever say.