Hilda Nix Studstill

Hilda Nix Studstill, aged 96, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 10, 2024, at the Fellowship Home in Nashville, Georgia. Born on October 5, 1928, the daughter of Clifton Nix and Flora Mathis Nix, in the Poplar Springs Community of Berrien County, Georgia.

Hilda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who lived a life full of service, love, and generosity. She graduated from Poplar Springs High School in May 1945, earning a full secretarial scholarship to Perry Business School in Albany, Georgia, graduating in June, 1946. Soon after, she began working at United Banking Company on the square in Nashville.

On March 7, 1948, she married Gordon Laverne Studstill, a U.S. Army veteran from the New Lois Community in Lakeland, Georgia. Together, they built a life centered around family and community. She and her husband owned and operated Studstill Clover Farm Grocery Store in Lakeland, as well as The Sewing Basket in Lakeland. Over the years, she also worked in the banking industry at Guaranty Federal Savings & Loan Association in Lakeland and Park Avenue Bank in Valdosta, before retiring in 1999. Even in retirement, she continued to share her passion for learning and community by working at the W.L. Miller Library in Lakeland.

A woman of deep faith, Hilda was a lifelong member of Lakeland Methodist Church, where she served in several capacities and participated in the Susanna Wesley Circle. She was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter and contributed her time to the Selective Service System. Her community involvement extended to her memberships in the Lakeland Quilting Club and the Red Hats Society.

After losing her husband in 1982, she found joy and companionship traveling with a group of widows affectionately known as the “Golden Girls.” However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved deeply.

Growing up on a modest farm instilled in her a deep appreciation for life’s lessons and a profound respect for God’s abundance. She loved sewing, quilting and cooking. Family dinners, often featuring fried chicken, fresh creamed corn and her renowned strawberry jam, became treasured family traditions. For Hilda, time spent in the kitchen — her self-described “therapy”— was her heartfelt way of expressing love and care for family and friends.

Hilda will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her faith and her community. Her selfless spirit, warm smile, and generous heart touched the lives of all who knew her.

She is survived by her sister, Laverne Nix Boyette; her children, Peggy Studstill Horansky (Robert), Danny Studstill (Janet), and Tanga Studstill Teasley (James); her grandchildren, Justin Studstill (Haynes), Christopher Studstill, Chase Studstill (Kari), Taylor Teasley (Katy) and Jennifer Teasley; and her great-grandchildren, Lauren Alden Studstill, Annalee Studstill, Noah Studstill, Benton Studstill, Marley Brown and Henry Studstill.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gordon Laverne Studstill of 34 years; sister Faye Nix Sirmans; brother-in-law Shelly Sirmans; son Wesley Clifton Studstill; great-granddaughter Kyleigh Ann Studstill; and great-grandson Tyler Maier Studstill.

Visitation is Saturday December 14th from 4 to 6 pm at Music Funeral Home in Lakeland. A celebration of her life will be held at Lakeland Methodist Church on Sunday December 15th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lakeland Methodist Church, reflecting her lifelong commitment to giving to others. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family of Hilda Nix Studstill appreciates the kindness, love and professional care from the staffs of Fellowship Home of Nashville, Magnolia Urgent Care in Nashville, Hospice of South Georgia, and Music Funeral Services.