The second of five children and the daughter of sharecroppers, Evelyn spent her early years in Pemiscot County, Missouri. As an adult, she made her home in Arcadia, Florida and worked for Florida Power & Light for more than 25 years. Upon retirement, Evelyn and her husband moved to a pecan orchard in Barbour County, Alabama to raise chickens and livestock. It was here that Evelyn became a Certified Master Gardener.
When her husband’s health deteriorated in 2005, the couple made the move to Pelham, Alabama to be closer to doctors and hospitals. Ever the caregiver, Evelyn devoted herself to the needs and care of her husband until his passing many years later.
After the death of her husband, Evelyn dedicated herself to volunteer work. She was a proud member of Shelby Baptist Medical Center’s Auxiliary Committee. She served in various capacities staffing waiting rooms, help desks, and gift shops. When her health began to fail, she continued her service by sewing heart pillows for patients in the ICU.
Evelyn was a member of Lakeview Pelham’s First United Methodist Church. She was active in the quilting group, her Sunday School class, and she cherished her many friendships there.
Evelyn was a loving and devoted mother to her only child, Gayle. She never missed a ballgame, halftime show, or school activity. She was an adoring grandmother to her two grandchildren. She loved to read to them and always gave them her full attention.
She was adored by every animal who ever met her. She regularly took in strays and very often neighborhood cats who were just looking to trade up.
She enjoyed quilting, painting, and cheering for Florida State. Her fall Saturdays were planned around the college football schedule. She was a great cook and made excellent chicken and dumplings.
Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Gayle Douglas; son-in-law, Ryan Welch; grandchildren, Emma (5) and Nicholas (3); sisters, Rebecca Frederick and Linda Oliver; brothers, Joe and Dan Pullam; and many nieces and nephews. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Levey and Zona Pullam, and her husband of 42 years, Charles Douglas.
She was loved. She will be missed.
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