Evelyn Ghazi

Evelyn "Great Evelyn" Ghazi, born Evelyn Stephens on April 7, 1931, in Little Crab, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Bethany, Oklahoma, at the age of 94. Her long and vibrant life was marked by creativity, adventure, and a deep love for her family.

Evelyn was the daughter of Maudie Bell West Stephens and John Stephens. She grew up surrounded by a large and lively family that included her brothers Dave Stephens, Stoke Stephens, Russell Stephens, and Op Stephens; and her sisters Annie Pierce and Lola Buck. Their memory remained close to her heart throughout her life.

A woman of many talents and boundless energy, Evelyn embraced life with a vivacious spirit that left an impression on everyone she met. She was known for her artistic soul—expressed through painting and poetry—and for her keen eye as an antiques dealer. Her passion for collecting frogs became one of her most endearing quirks, reflecting both her playful nature and appreciation for the whimsical.

Evelyn’s adventurous streak led her to become a pilot—an extraordinary feat that spoke to her fearless character and zest for life. She was also a gifted storyteller whose tales captivated generations of listeners. Her love for animals further revealed the depth of her compassion and warmth.

Family was central to Evelyn’s world. She was a devoted mother to her daughter Betty Nalley and cherished the memory of her son Victor Aiuto and daughter Susan Byrd Grandle. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Jerri Byrd Groschick, Robert “Bobby” Byrd, Frank Aiuto, Jeff Aiuto, Tonya Aiuto Norris, Stephen Kohling, Terrence Kohling, and Crystal Kohling. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Robert “Bobby” Byrd, Alyssa Peltier, Alex Peltier, Nikeya-Ahkeila Kohling, Prometheus Kohling, James Kohling, Brandon Kohling and Caitlyn Kohling; as well as great-great-grandchildren Zurich Neal, Elliannah Byrd, Havana Doucette, and Lainey Doucette.

Known affectionately as “Great Evelyn,” she wore the title with pride as it reflected not only her generational reach but also the greatness of her personality. Her home was often filled with laughter, stories from years gone by, paintings in progress, antique treasures waiting to be discovered anew—and always love.

May the memory of Evelyn Ghazi bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on in every brushstroke of paint she left behind, every poem penned from the heart, every frog figurine lovingly placed on a shelf—and most enduringly—in the hearts of those who called her mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, or friend.

A Viewing will be held on May 15, 2025, from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Bill Merritt Funeral Home 6201 NW 39th St. A Funeral will be held on May 16, 2025, at 11:00 at Bill Merritt Funeral Home 6201 NW 39th St. Interment will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery 7500 W. Britton Road