Evelyn Boyd Martindale Thom

Evelyn went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Friday morning, April 1, 2011, at age 91. Born in Reidville, S.C., on Dec. 23, 1919, she spent her early years in Morgan City where she was valedictorian of her senior class at Morgan City High School and went on to LSU, earning a dual degree in English and history. Most of her life was spent in Baton Rouge. A true Southern lady and passionate Christian, she was a loving wife and mother, historian, genealogist, author and volunteer; a Girl Scout leader and church choir member; president of the Baton Rouge Foundation for Historical Louisiana and The Round Table; a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Magna Carta Dames; the force behind the restoration of Old Highland Road Cemetery, and the adaptive restoration of the "Florence Coffee House" at 130 Main St., where she resided for 25 years. She served as a missionary with her husband in Haiti, Zaire and Taiwan. She was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. and Mrs. Charles O. Martindale; two brothers, Girardeau B. Martindale and M. Douglas Martindale; husband of 61 years, Dr. James A. Thom III; and daughter, Carolyn T. Sullivan. She is survived by six children, James A. Thom IV and wife Lynn, Drucilla T. White and husband Don, Angus H. Thom, Hunter C. Thom and wife Chris, Elizabeth T. Adams and husband Bobby, and Paula Thom Odom; 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Sunday, April 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at First Presbyterian Church, 763North Blvd., on Monday, April 4,from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Interment in Roselawn Cemetery, 4045 North St. Pallbearers will be William H. Adams IV, Chris J. Murphy, Andrew D. Thom, Brian C. Thom, James A. Thom V and Donald A. White. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Missions. The family is grateful for special care given by the staff at the St. James Place Health and Wellness Center and by Hospice of Baton Rouge.