Evelyn Billas Makris, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, the 15th of February, 2014. She was born on the 15th of March 1925, in Montezuma, Georgia, to Athanasios and Pauline Billas, and spent her childhood in northern Greece, returning to the United States for college after WWII-occupied Greece reopened. Evelyn received degrees in Social Work and Studio Art from Texas State College for Women (now known as TWU) in Denton, Texas; she briefly worked in Houston before marrying Arthur John Makris, her husband of 58 years.
Among Evelyn’s favorite experiences were traveling the world with Art, including the seven years they lived in Milan, Italy with their two daughters. In Milan, Evelyn quickly became fluent in Italian, took art classes in the bohemian Brera district, and produced beautiful abstract paintings influenced by local architecture. After moving to Houston in 1975, Evelyn became a licensed realtor and worked the majority of her career with Madeleine O’Brien Realtors, Inc., and then Coldwell Banker Real Estate.
Evelyn was an active member and volunteer of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where she was one of the first Sunday School teachers to high school students; she later taught Greek to children and adults. She was a high-energy, creative and elegant lady; always outgoing, friendly, and ready to have fun, offer advice, or make new friends. Evelyn was also an excellent Greek dancer, and a wonderful cook.
Survivors include daughter, Elaine Makris Williams and her husband, Robert; daughter, Ann Makris Poland and her husband, Stanley; grandson, Matthew Makris Geddie; and sister, Maria Sinathis Roper. She was preceded in death by her husband Art, and one brother, Aris Buddy Billas.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Thursday, the 20th of February, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the Trisagion Prayers will commence at half-past five o'clock, followed by remarks from family and friends.
Immediately afterwards, all are invited to greet the family in a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer.
The funeral service is to be conducted at half-past ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 21st of February, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard in Houston, where the Cathedral Clergy are to officiate.
A private interment will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Philoptochos Charitable Society at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, TX, 77006; Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030; or the charity of one’s choice.
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