Evelyn Joyce Porch James passed away peacefully on August 13, 2019, in Ridgeland, Miss. For 83 years, she was a picture of how to live a life of service to her family, her church, and her community. Those that knew her describe her as genuine, faithful, and kind, always with a smile on her face.
Evelyn was born in Pocahontas, Miss. in 1936 as the unexpected seventh child. She graduated from Clinton High School and kept in touch with her life-long friends.
In 1956, she married Ron James and spent the next 56 years together serving Jesus, their family, and their church. They raised four children, and Evelyn was always ready to add another plate at the table. She had a tender heart who cared about everyone she encountered, and many were on her prayer list. “Mimi” was very active in the lives of her grandchildren and attended all of their events. She made personalized birthday cakes and hosted her grandchildren (and often others) in an annual cookie-painting party every Christmas.
For most of her married life, Evelyn was a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church, now located in Madison, Miss. Together with Ron, she led Sunday School classes and was active in the youth ministry. Along with her friends, she used her extensive artistic talents to create and support the live-action Easter walk-through ministry known as “The Following.” She also helped lead the acting, clowning, and puppet youth ministry, The Messengers, for many years. She served in the church nursery, during Vacation Bible School, and in the adult choir.
Evelyn worked for many years with her husband and son-in-law, Kent Tullos, selling AFLAC insurance. She and Ron enjoyed traveling with AFLAC over the years, but both treated their jobs as a ministry, to help Mississippians prepare in advance for unexpected medical bills. She always spoke warmly of clients, who became part of her extended family. Their home office frequently had small children underfoot as the grandkids were always welcome at her house.
During her last few years, Evelyn resided at the Beau Ridge Independent Living facility. She loved the staff who took wonderful care of her, along with Kare in Home and Covenant Caregivers. She received frequent visitors.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, her parents, John and Lollie Porch, and her siblings and their spouses: Bonnie Taylor (Jimmy), Lib Gregory (Jack), James Porch (Bettie), Jack Porch (Faye, surviving), and two who died as infants. She leaves behind her children, Ronn James, Jr., Julie Tullos (Kent), Christi Varner (George), and Brad James (Allison); her grandchildren, Ron James, III, Kimberly Meints (Josiah), Bonnie Lahuta (Michael), Wesley Tullos (Hannah), Morgan Nutt (Brandon), Lawson Varner, Stone Varner, and Bradlea James; and a growing number of great-grandchildren. She also had many nieces, nephews, and friends.
There will be a visitation Wednesday, August 21, 2019, 5-7pm, at Parkway Funeral Home. The Homegoing Service will be Thursday, August 22, 2019, 10am, at Broadmoor Baptist Church (visitation 9-10am). A graveside service will immediately follow at Parkway Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Broadmoor Baptist Church, or give to someone you know who is in need. Evelyn had so much love to give others because of the love she received from Christ. You may contact Broadmoor or any of her family if you would like to learn more about how you can be introduced to her Lord, Jesus.
Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
Psalm 139: 23-24
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life;
he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies,
and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.
Do you believe this?"
John 11: 25-26
