Evelyn Simonds

A memorial service for Evelyn Griffin Simonds, 92, of Tyler, will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 2:30 PM, at University Christian Church with Rev. Ron Byrd officiating. Burial will be held at 10:00 AM at Shiloh Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Born to Reuben Marshall and Alice Louise Parker Griffin on May 11, 1921 in Rusk County, She heard the Great Master’s call on June 2, 2013. “Come unto me and I will give you rest. I have prepared a place for you!” Evelyn was a member of University Christian Church as well as TASCA, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Start since 1952. She was the last surviving charter member of Independence Chapter no. 1044. Evelyn graduated from high school as Salutatorian of her class and was active in the county and state 4-H Club where she won the Gold Star Designation of being one of the top one hundred performers in the State of Texas. She later graduated from the Johnson College of Cosmetology as a licensed beautician. While in San Antonio, Evelyn met and later married the love of her life, Elwood Eugene (Gene) Simonds, JR, on September 3, 1939, the day WW II began. She continued to work during the more than 2 ½ years Gene was away serving his country in the Pacific War Zone as a Navy SeaBee. After the war and the birth of her son, Evelyn devoted her time to motherhood and volunteer work for several years. She later entered college and majored in accounting and worked the rest of her professional life as a cost accountant. Evelyn continued her volunteer work for over 50 years in many capacities such as church, scouting, youth centers, nursing homes, Habitat for Humanity, children’s hospitals, Meal on Wheels and close to her heart, Mother Frances Hospital Information Desk. She was also blessed to be a two time cancer survivor. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Elwood Eugene “Gene” Simonds, JR, and her beloved son, Elwood Eugene Simonds, III. Evelyn was also preceded in death by her siblings, Dorothy McCauley, William Weldon Griffin and Reuben Marshall Griffin, JR; and by her loving extended family, Uncle and Aunt Dawson and Gertrude Parker and their two sons, Ernest Leslie (Ernie) Fogg and Robert Clarence (Bob) Fogg. Evelyn is survived by a wonderful and loving grandson, Elwood Eugene (Chip) Simonds, IV, (who has been her rock in times of need) and his wife Heather, and his mother, Janet; two very precious great-grandchildren, Ellie Isabel Simonds and Grayson Isaac Simonds; two sisters, Wynell Webb and her husband John, Gilbert Williamson and her husband Sidney; sisters-in-law, Bea Simonds, Billie Griffin and Bernice Griffin; and by many nephews, nieces cousins and faithful friends. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. If desired, memorials may be made to the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler 75701 or American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler, 75701.

Evelyn Simonds

May 11, 1921 - June 2, 2013