She lived in Mt. Juliet, TN, in a home she shared with her husband James “Gibson” DeLacey until his death on May 15, 2013.
Their 67-year marriage was the source of Evelyn’s greatest joy. Together, they raised five children and doted on 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Those who knew Evelyn best will remember a soft-spoken servant who was happiest taking care of others.
During World War II, while Gib was stationed abroad with the army, Evelyn served at her local rationing board in Kentucky, where she was called “everything but a lady.” She weathered wartime with a mixture of grit and grace that became her trademark.
In the 1960s, she battled her way back from stage IV skin cancer for the sake of her family. While doctors worried her mobility would be limited by debilitating treatments on her leg, she fought her way to full strength during hearty hikes with her children around the family’s cabin on Center Hill Lake.
Evelyn and Gib were founding members at Hobson Pike Baptist Church in Hermitage, TN, where her voice often rang out from the choir loft. She was an active member of the church’s women’s group, and for years welcomed new arrivals to Mt. Juliet with a kind word and an invitation to worship.
Her favorite role was that of “Mama,” a mother and grandmother who stole the spotlight every Thanksgiving with cheese-stuffed pickles and never let a birthday, holiday or special event pass without a hand-written note or phone call.
She is survived by her children James Jr. (Rita) of Hermitage, Robert (Debbie) of Enon, Ohio, Sarah Adams (Rick) of Florence, Ky. and Mary Tamburin of Nashville; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband and daughter Ruth Jacobs of Loveland, Ohio.
Family celebrated Evelyn’s life at a private memorial service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations be made in Evelyn’s name to the Senior Citizens Awareness Network at the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office or to Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee.
Arrangements under the direction of Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home, Nashville, Tennessee.
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