Evelyn Franklin Slagle Keeton, age 96, of Brownwood, Texas passed away on Aug 1, 2014.
Evelyn was born in Taylor, Texas on March 23, 1918 to William and Annie Slagle. She was a graduate of Taylor High School.
She was born with a happy heart, sparkling blue eyes and a beautiful smile. She accepted Christ as her savior as young adult.
She married Albert Carl Keeton, Sr. in Taylor. They celebrated fifty-five (55) years of marriage prior to his death in 1992. In the early 1940s she and Albert “Johnny” moved to Brownwood where they built their own home. With her failing memory, she never forgot “her little house on the corner.” Evelyn was a Job 31: 28-31 woman of strong faith who loved the old gospel hymns. She was the longest surviving member at the New Beginnings Pentecostal Church at the time of her death. She was honored to be a life time member of New Beginnings W.M.S.She was always active in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities including the Brownies, Girl Scouts, baseball and football. She served as an active member of the P.T.A., serving several terms as president.
She was an excellent cook, always sharing her dishes with family and friends. Everyone wanted her home cooked meatballs. Evelyn worked as a cashier for Smith Grocery Store/soda fountain and many years at the Sidran garment factory located in the Camp Bowie area, making uniforms for the U. S. Army. She also worked as a cafeteria supervisor for the North Elementary school cafeteria, as a cashier for Mrs. Baird’s bread store, in food services at Howard Payne University, and as a dorm supervisor for the Juvenile Justice System. She also volunteered at the Salvation Army’s Loaves and Fishes.
She was honored as a 2008 Jefferson Award Nominee and as a 2008 Precious Jewels Finalist by the Center for Building Community at Abilene Christian University.
For several years, in her 80s, she volunteered as a Salvation Army “Bell Ringer” at Christmas in front of Wal-Mart so the regular “Ringers” could take a lunch break.
Evelyn worshiped our Lord, living a Christian life as a wife, mother, grandmother, “Nanny”, “Granny”’, and as a great-great grandmother. She was a devoted friend to many, including three special groups of friends, during her stay in Abilene.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Billy Burwell Slagle; her infant son, Raymond Albert Keeton, at age 31 days; and her husband.
She is survived by three daughters; Billie K. Rich of Abilene, Jerre Crisp of San Angelo, Pamela L. Luster (Lynn) of Brownwood; one step-daughter; Lanell O’Neal of Orange, California; two sons; Albert Carl Keeton, Sanger and Tommy W. Wayne Keeton of San Angelo.
Nine grandchildren; Ricky Stanley, Micki Stanley, Lisa Langley, Kelly Jelensperger, Terry Shannon, Jason Templeton, Kade Templeton, Kristi Pierce, and Joshua Linders.
Sixteen great grandchildren.
Five great-great grandchildren.
Evelyn’s devotion to her family and friends stands as testament to her life. She touches so many lives with her warm, unfailing, positive, thankful and giving heart. Her beautiful smile and shining blue eyes will forever be our remembrance.
A celebration of life will be at Davis-Morris Funeral Home, 800 Center Street, Brownwood, TX on Tuesday August 5th, 2014 at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Staley Cemetery, U.S. Hwy 183 north.
Visitation will be at Davis-Morris Chapel on August 4th, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Loaves and Fishes, 403 Lakeway Drive, Brownwood, TX, 76801.
Friends and family may sign the guest book at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com.
Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers.
