Obituary: International missionary Evelyn Farrington of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Ga. -- Former international missionary Evelyn Farrington Perry, 63, of Gainesville died from complications related to COVID-19 on Saturday.

Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, and Grammie. She met the love of her life, Frank, at Wieuca Road Baptist Church. Both children of preachers and teachers, they knew quickly that they were soulmates. They were married in Auburn, Alabama, on March 1, 1987, and enjoyed every day of the next 36 years together. They were blessed with two daughters, Amanda and Sarah, whom Evelyn showered with love and care.

Evelyn enjoyed gardening, cooking, tea parties, bicycling, kayaking, hiking, and exploring beautiful gardens. Her own gift for gardening is demonstrated in the landscapes of her home. She had a passion for travel and adventure (She even earned her private pilot's license).

Above all, Evelyn had a heart for missions. After graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, she spent two years as a journeyman missionary in Hong Kong. She later spent 18 years directing and teaching in the ESL and citizenship ministry at First Baptist Church Gainesville. She also served as treasurer of the Women's Ministry at FBC and as President of ESL for Georgia Baptist Women.

Evelyn is survived by her husband Frank; daughters Amanda Francis (spouse EJ) and Sarah Rutowski (spouse Cody); granddaughters Elizabeth "Ellie" Francis and Emma Rutowski; and sisters Judy Farrington Aust and Pauline Farrington. She was proceeded in death by her parents Geraldine Brett Farrington and Joseph Coleman Farrington.

Celebration of life services is set for Friday at 3 p.m. in the chapel of First Baptist Church located at 751 Green Street, Gainesville, Ga. 30501. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Baptist Church Gainesville ESL ministry at www.fbcgainesville.org/give or by check (Specify "Designate to the ESL ministry in memory of Evelyn Perry" in comments).