Evelyn Wilcoxson

May 28, 2020

Evelyn Wilcoxson passed from this life on May 21, 2020, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 94. Born and raised in Dublin, Texas, she proudly considered herself a Texan all her life although having lived much longer in Oklahoma. Despite a humble family background, Evelyn graduated from Texas Tech University in 1946 and accepted a position as legal secretary at Halliburton Services, Duncan, Oklahoma. It was there that she met James Talmadge Wilcoxson whom she married in 1948. They lived in Terral, Waurika, and ultimately Marlow, Oklahoma, where they owned Wilcoxson's Dry Goods.  

While living in Waurika, Evelyn commuted to Midwestern University, Wichita Falls, Texas, in order to be certified to teach elementary school. She taught in Duncan Public Schools for twenty-two years. Over the years, she taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades where her favorite subject was social studies. For many years after her retirement, she received notes from former students and parents with praise for her positive influence, kindness yet strictness, and unabashed patriotism.  

Evelyn's many joys included travel, music, bluebonnets, hummingbirds, and of course, U.S. history. She liked to chat with neighbors, both new and old friends. Through the years, Evelyn taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, participated in the garden club, was elected to Delta Kappa Gamma (Society for Women Educators), and served on the Board of Directors for Duncan Community Concerts. As a young woman, she was a FFA Sweetheart in high school and 2nd runner-up in Miss West Texas Beauty Pageant. She retained her beautiful smile throughout her life. In later years she relished patriotic endeavors such as assisting with voter registration and supporting and recruiting World War II veterans to take Honor Flights to Washington D.C.  

Evelyn's most cherished accomplishments were her marriage of 59 1/2 years and her beloved family. She is survived by her son, Louis T. Wilcoxson of Tulsa, Oklahoma and her daughter, Myra Decker of Oklahoma City. She also has a grandson, James T. Wilcoxson II and his wife Kacey, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. They have two daughters and one son- Abby, Chloe, and Max.  

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, N.E. and Goldie Hodges, her husband Talmadge, her brother Howard, her daughter-in-law Louann Wilcoxson, and her son-in-law Sam Decker.  

A graveside service will be held at 1:00, Thursday, May 28, at the Marlow Cemetery. All arrangements have been entrusted to the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral and Cremation Services in Marlow. 

Evelyn's family thanks all her friends and extended family for their prayers and love through the years. Special thanks are extended to her friends at Village on the Park and the staff which provided support and such fun for her these last ten years. During her final time, she was well-cared for by the memory care staff and Promise Care Hospice for which her family is most grateful.  

For anyone who wishes to remember Evelyn, she would have requested a donation to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in lieu of flowers.  

Online condolences may be made to www.CallawaySmithCobb.com