Evelyn Francis Yates

Evelyn Francis Yates, 95, passed away in Houston, Texas on the morning of September 4, 2011. She was born in Marshfield, Missouri on January 4, 1916. Her mother, Mollie Jane, was a teacher in the one-room school house and her father, Harry, ran a restaurant in Marshfield square.

A self-reported tomboy, young Evelyn would tuck her skirt into her knickers so she could climb trees and run with the other boys and her brother "Bud". Later, her family had to move to Springfield, Missouri, as the Great Depression led to the demise of many businesses, including the restaurant on the square.

As a young woman, Evelyn met a young handsome man working at Ramey's Market. On June 26, 1939, she married Charles (Charlie Bill) William Yates, who, a few years later was called to service in the European Theatre of World War II in France and Germany. It was later that they had a son, Charles (Rusty), and then again, 5 years later, a daughter, Jane Frances.

In 1954, Charles, who was working for Provident Insurance Co., was transferred to Houston, Texas. The little family left all they knew as familiar, their parents and other relatives, many friends and beloved surroundings of Missouri and moved to at that time, a new community and new home in Bellaire, Texas.

Evelyn and Charles quickly found a church home at Second Baptist, downtown Houston, and made friends. They loved to cook together and relished entertaining, including many 42 domino parties. Folding card tables with sweet table cloths and perfect settings were spread across their small Bellaire home to accomodate the multitudes of luncheons, brunches, dinners and domino parties they hosted. They loved singing in the great choir at Second, now moved to its current home on Woodway, and acted and sang in the Singing Christmas Tree productions.

When Rusty and Jane were older, Evelyn sought employment at Joske's (now Dillard's) in the fine china department. It was when Jane chose a private Christian university, that Evelyn quickly got her position in the office of Registrar to offset the tuition.

Evelyn's skills as a cook and baker were exceptional, and gifted as a seamstress, she sewed the intricately beaded and laced wedding gown of her daughter. Evelyn and Charles loved to travel and went on many journeys taking along their grandson Jeff.

In 1989, Evelyn and her Charles celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They continued their travels, including trips to England and their favorite, time in Connecticut at the historic bed and breakfast their son owned.

Evelyn was reserved, but stunning and bright with authenticity and warmth. Always too humble, she was a quiet petite lady. One of her greatest attributes was her sheer joy at the act of giving to and serving others. She was selfless with her life, reaching out to countless through her charity work. But, most of all, she loved her family, especially her Charles to whom she was married 62 years.

Evelyn leaves behind her son, Charles (Rusty) (wife Marian Yates), daughter Jane (husband Michael Haley), brother Harry Eugene (wife Bettye Clair), grandchildren: Jeffery Yates, Ericka (Haley) Harkins and Molly (Haley) Humphrey, great grandchildren: Madison and Maggie Yates, Ella Rose and William Martin Humphrey, and Haley-Grace Harkins.

We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to the Colonial Oaks, Braeswood staff: Angela, Tanesha, Shawana, Julene and Carolyn especially, and to the compassionate loving care provided by the A*Med Hospice special angels, Melanie, Bridgett, Karen and Mary. Also, special thanks to the precious friends who have loved and supported us at this time. Jane and Rusty and families.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Star of Hope Mission, www.sohmission.org.