Evelyn Nalley McCollum

Evelyn Gray Nalley McCollum, beloved wife of James Marion McCollum, died February 14, 2026, at Oakview Park Senior Living in Greenville, South Carolina after five years of dementia and declining health.

Evelyn was born in Easley, South Carolina on March 13, 1936. She was the daughter of the late Paul Hall Nalley and Mary Martitia Gray Nalley. Her sisters were the late Mary Louise Nalley Smith and Bette Ruth Nalley Rogers, whom she cherished throughout their lives. She is survived by her brother, Ronald Ames Nalley.

Evelyn was a 1954 graduate of Easley High School and earned a BA in Religion and History from Clemson University in 1991, graduating with honors and winning the top student award in religious studies.

She had a varied work experience throughout her life. During high school she was recruited to work at the Easley Credit Bureau. Later she was a bookkeeper at Carolina Blouse, Fedders Fashion Shop, and Geer Memorial Baptist Church. She was also employed for many years by the Pickens County Library.

Evelyn was a prolific writer since childhood. She delighted in her eccentricities, often citing “the Nalley in her.” She had a unique personality, proudly stating that she was an INTJ and her personality traits were found in only 1% of the population. She was witty and loved to laugh. Her family knew it was easier to admit early on that she was “right.”

She was employed by The Easley Progress from 1983 to 1986 as Lifestyles Editor. When editor Jerry Vickery mused that the paper needed a humor column, she quickly pulled three samples from her desk drawer for his approval. Thus “Just Between You and Me” was born. She later published these columns in five printed volumes. Evelyn compiled Our Heroes, a volume about veterans from First Baptist Church. She published Nalley: A Southern Family History chronicling 170 years of family history. Other publications included The Proof Is in the Pudding, both a cookbook and a play performed at Easley Foothills Theater, Sometimes Life Throws You a Curve, about her cancer journey in 2006-2007, and Growing Up on Main Street about her childhood, along with numerous magazine articles and front feature stories in The Easley Progress.

She and Marion married on August 21, 1954. For many years they were active members at Geer Memorial and later joined Easley First Baptist Church in 1983 where she served as treasurer and taught both youth and adult Sunday School classes. She was a life-long learner and especially loved studying the Bible and religious literature.

A highly organized person, she loved books, gospel music, office supplies and her computer. Marion replaced her computer and printer countless times as she required the most current versions. She planned her annual high school class reunion with a group of classmates she adored. As the 93rd of 94 first cousins, she directed the Nalley Reunion for many years culminating in its 100th anniversary.

Her favorite place was relaxing on her screened porch in the home she and Marion built in 1984 on Haverhill Circle with the help of their architect son-in-law. Having spent her childhood in a ramshackle house on Main Street, establishing a home was vitally important to her.

Evelyn’s next favorite place was any location, especially at the beach, where she was surrounded by her children and their families. She was an indulgent “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Marion, her daughter Susan Zeigler (Ed), their children Claire Sang (Jared) of Greenville and Tate Zeigler of Charleston, and grandchildren Jackson and Oliver Sang, and Della Zeigler, son Greg McCollum of Myrtle Beach and his daughters Elizabeth and Katie, and Nate McCollum (Martha) of Plumtree, NC and their sons Van, Sam and David of Charlotte, NC.

A private family burial will take place at 10:00 am in the Cemetery of Fairview United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held in the narthex of Easley First Baptist Church from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm, with a celebration of Evelyn’s life to follow in the sanctuary at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Easley First Baptist Church, 300 East First Avenue, Easley, SC 29640 or to the charity of one’s choice.

The family gratefully acknowledges the care received by the loving staff of Oakview Park Senior Living and Crescent Hospice.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.