Bessie Lynn Evans

She is survived by her son, Robert L. Evans Jr. and his wife Donna, and her daughter, Terri Baker, grandchildren: Jennifer Lyle and her husband Robert, Evan Baker, Morgan Neay, and her husband Mitchell, Robert Evans III, Ryan Evans, and his wife Kelly, great-grandchildren: Jonathan Neay, Annabell Lyle, Emmalee Neay, Ronnie Lyle, Jase Evans, and Ellie Evans, several nieces and nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Bessie Lynn was born on October 12, 1928, in Sulphur Bluff, Hopkins County, Texas to Forrest Cecil Clifton, and Bessie Lynn Hicks. In 1936, Bessie Lynn and her brother James went to live with her half-sister Alvena and husband Harold “H” Parks who took over as caretakers. She was treated as a daughter alongside H and Alvena’s children, Milton and Carrie. Her father continued to be a part of their lives until he was killed in 1943, when he was struck by lightning while working on the docks in Port Arthur, TX.

Bessie Lynn attended East Texas Baptist College, focusing on Accounting. She moved to Houston in the late 40’s and began working for Gulf Publishing Company where she would work, with a few years off for early motherhood, until retirement. Her GPC family was important to her, and the love was mutual. One of her favorite roles, was passing out the paychecks around the office, where she became a beloved sight, as the lady bringing the money!

Bessie Lynn and Robert “Bob” would meet in the 1950’s, at her apartment at a Singles fellowship for Second Baptist Church Houston - over coffee. That night, all they were serving was instant coffee or punch, and Bob asked if she had “real” coffee. She made him a full pot, and it was love at first sip. Once they started dating, Bob asked if it would be alright if he called her “Lynn.” They were married at Second Baptist on October 19, 1957.

Bessie Lynn had a servant’s heart and loved taking care of her family and friends. She phoned them faithfully, and you would never pass her mailbox without seeing a card for someone, waiting to be picked up by the postal service.

She and Bob and their 2 children lived in Brenham Texas for a few years for Bob’s job. Once they moved back to Houston in the summer of 1966, they immediately joined Westbury Baptist Church. Lynn and Bob and kids were in church, twice on Sundays, every Wednesday night, and several other days of the week for various activities. She served in the nursery and on the Wednesday Night Supper committee until she was well into her 80’s. She was a faithful member of Westbury Baptist Church for many years.

There was no question in her mind that she belonged to the Lord. Her kids survived into adulthood because of her prayers, and they, and the following generations will continue to survive after her death because of those prayers. She read through the Bible many times and loved studying the Word.

Bessie Lynn had been living the last few months with the wonderful people at Oak Manor Nursing Home in Flatonia, Texas, near her son & daughter-in-law. She was surrounded by her family when Jesus peacefully called her home. She will be dearly missed by those of us she left behind and can’t wait to see her again one day.

Visitation will be at Forest Park Westheimer, on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at Westbury Baptist Church on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Westbury Baptist Church or Hospice of South Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the Evans family.