Evie Sweet

Evelyn "Evie" Sweet-Hurd, 65, of Conyers, GA, beloved wife of Phillip W. Hurd, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2014 from complications as a result of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. She was a loving mother, wife, and daughter who dedicated her life to her family. In her professional life she was a former assistant professor of English at Savannah College of Art and Design and most recently a faculty member of Oxford College of Emory University, Georgia Perimeter College and the upper school director for The Eastminster School, Conyers. She is the author of the 2008 USA Best Book Award finalist, "His Name was Donn: My Brother's Letters from Vietnam." Prior to that, while residing in Savannah, Evie penned the popular "Whitney Bishop" columns in the Georgia Guardian. Evie leaves also her loving son, Jeffrey Hurd and her daughter, Caitlin Hurd Krieger of Conyers, her son-in-law, Jake Krieger of Newborn, her sister, Joan Brault of Avon CT and her niece, Suzanne Gagnon of North Hero, VT. She also leaves behind nieces, Amanda Wingfield Fuss, Heather and Amy Carpenter and Kirstie Wingfield; nephews, E. C. Wingfield, Jason and Christopher Carpenter, all of Virginia. Born in Schenectady, NY, Evie completed her early schooling in Roanoke, VA, where she graduated from Cave Spring High School. She went on to earn a BA in English from Duke University, an MA from the University of Richmond and a Ph.D. in Twentieth Century American Literature from Baylor University. Evie was a beautiful, caring person who truly sought to improve the lives of all around her. She always brought out the best in people whether it be her students, friends or acquaintances. She has touched the lives of many not only as a teacher and writer but as a mediation counselor. She reached out to people from all walks of life. She was tolerant and humane, and she imparts those traits to her children as a proud legacy. A Memorial Service will be held to honor her life on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Scot Ward Funeral Home in Conyers, GA; family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.