Evelyn T. Gonzales

Evelyn grew up the eldest of five siblings in South Texas with her mother and father. At an early age, a responsibility and role of mothering was placed upon her because of a change in family circumstances. Her mother returned to work while Evelyn cared for her siblings in their home. Evelyn attended West Oso High School where she met the love of her life, Jose Gonzales, known to many as Joey. Together they embarked on a career with the U.S. Navy that spanned 26 years of service. In that time, they traveled the country from assignment to assignment.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her mother, Manuela Deleon Davila, and her father, Reynaldo Tamez. She is survived by her eternal companion and husband, Jose Gonzales. Her posterity includes Joseph Gonzales (Karita), Jared Gonzales (Ashley), Nathan Gonzales (Zoe), Nina Carr (Brett), and Eve Everett (Matthew). She was able to witness the marriages of all five of her children according to her desires. Her grandchildren include Hope, Sunday, Ezekiel, Jett, Mia, Sofia, Daniel, Celina, Elena, Camila, Noelle, & Navy. Evelyn is also survived by her loving siblings, Ray Tamez (Velma), Richard Tamez, Cindy Simpson (JRay), Benny DeLeon (Leigh Ann), Sandra Garza (Sam), Regina Rios, Erica Tamez, & Cindy Inez Rosales (Santos) and numerous nieces and nephews. Evelyn had a unique ability to befriend and love all. She has friends who adore her all over the country who she met over through their military and church service.

In elementary school Evelyn was introduced to the saxophone, which became a passion that she further developed into high school. Through personal efforts, as a teenager, she worked to purchase her very own alto saxophone. Additionally, she discovered a love for tennis after enrolling in a class at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, eventually becoming a regular participant in a Navy Tennis Club, playing doubles several times a week. Evelyn was a treasure seeker, exploring thrift shops across San Antonio. She found joy in repurposing these treasures and gifting them to her friends and children. As a devoted mother of five, she invested significant time supporting each of her children in their diverse school and collegiate activities, ranging from Cross Country, Track, Swim & Dive and Fine Arts.

Towards the end of her life, Evelyn longed for a college education, and although she placed motherhood first and deferred her educational aspirations, we acknowledged her remarkable accomplishments.

Her journey began at the tender age of 12, when she worked as a waitress in various Mexican food restaurants throughout high school, finding joy in the daily tips. Graduating from West Oso High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1983 with a remarkable GPA of 3.7 and a membership in the National Honor Society, she earned the Ralph Galvan III Scholarship Award. During high school, her passion for saxophone awarded her prestigious accolades like the All-Star Soprano Sax Solo Award from Pan American University in 1983 and a 1st Division Award, UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest in 1980.

Embarking on her college journey at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi from 1983 to 1984, she completed 14 hours in Computer Science. The following year, in 1985, she pursued her dreams at New Hampshire College in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where she accomplished 18 hours in Business Management—a testament to her determination.

Post-college, Evelyn's career path showcased her versatility, excelling in roles such as Clerk Typist, Customer Service Supervisor, Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society Secretary, Tech Connection Youth Center Supervisor, Parent/Teacher’s Aide, Substitute Teacher, Assistant Baker, Customer Service Representative, and Shaved Ice Store Manager.

Between jobs, she dedicated her life to volunteering and fulfilling her church callings, serving as Cub Scout Den Leader, and spearheading middle school field days and end of year parties for the youngest three children. Truly, she was a champion in every aspect of her life.

Evelyn had a way of making new friends in every city she lived in and maintaining long lasting relationships across state lines over the years. Her innate nature was to make you feel important and special, looking for any reason to celebrate you, and sparing no effort or material to magnify the occasion. Birthdays, baby showers, graduations, wedding showers - anything worth gathering for, Evelyn knew how to decorate it and host it. Beyond the special events, Evelyn kept her friends close, loved to laugh, share jokes, and made many memories with those she spent quality time with. Despite her illness, Evelyn never complained and would exude the best sense of humor and positive attitude that made you smile. She was a hard worker in everything she did and had a tenacious spirit for serving others and putting their needs ahead of her own. Evelyn was loyal, caring, delightful, and the best friend anyone could ask for.

Evelyn lovingly and compassionately showered her family and friends with heartfelt tokens of appreciation. Her home was perpetually overflowing with stationery for crafting tender notes to friends and spools of fleece to fashion blankets for birthdays far in advance. Also, never to be forgotten are the children’s hooded towels Evelyn crafted with love regardless of the occasion.

Amidst devoting herself to serving others, Evelyn prioritized maintaining a clean and tidy home, creating an ambiance where every visitor could sense the Spirit of the Lord. She wholeheartedly exemplified the qualities of her savior Jesus Christ: faith, humility, and charity. This is how she will continue her journey in the next life.

The Visitation and Viewing for Evelyn will be on Friday, July 28 at the Home of Joey & Evelyn Gonzales located at 23214 Cardigan Chase, San Antonio, Texas 78260 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Her Celebration of Life and Memorial Services will be on Saturday, July 29 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 645 Knights Cross San Antonio, Texas 78258 from 9:00 - 10:00 AM. Her Entombment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery Mausoleum, 2731 Comanche Corpus Christi, TX 78408 at 3:00 PM.