Ann Elizabeth Dillard Evans
Ann Elizabeth Dillard Evans , 86 of Dickinson Texas, passed away February, 7th 2023. She was born on October, 5th 1936 in Itta Bena Mississippi to parents Walter Wilson Dillard and Ellen Thomas Dillard.
Ann was preceded in death by both parents; two sons, Kenneth Barton Evans Jr., and Scott Thomas Evans; brother, Walter Wilson Dillard Jr.; granddaughter, Abigail Renee Evans; and cousin, Katie Claire Ainsworth.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Kenneth Barton Evans Sr.; daughter, Kimberly Evans Johnson; son, John Michael Evans; his fiance, Emily Bell; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Ann attended Humphreys High School in Itta Bena, Mississippi where she was a cheerleader and was crowned Homecoming Queen, graduating in 1954. Ann graduated from Millsaps in Jackson, Mississippi, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and again was a cheerleader and crowned Homecoming Queen. She was truly adored by all.
She began her teaching career in Pensacola, Florida where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Barton Evans, an officer in the US Marine Corps.
They were married at the United Methodist Church in Itta Bena, Mississippi on June 27th, 1959.
While he flew helicopters in Vietnam and for President LBJ, she became the mother to three sons and a daughter. All the while teaching Elementary School, and raised them seemingly effortless, with her unique southern grace.
She continued her education in Hawaii and University of Houston Clear Lake and received her master’s degree in Reading DIagnostics. Ann retired after 25 years with Pasadena Independent School District, and after retirement, she worked 9 more years at the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program in Texas City as their Reading Specialist and Diagnostician.
Ann was the President of Dickinson’s Garden Club, an active member of the Red Hatter’s Society and a long-standing member of the First United Methodist Church of Dickinson, singing in the choir and playing the bells.
In her honor, there will be a memorial service on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 851 FM 517 Road West, Dickinson, Texas.
When God made Aunt Ann, He broke the mold! There’s no one that could match her sweet southern charm and grace. She always greeted us with a big huge smile and gave the best hug and loved unconditionally. The world lost a living angel. We will cherish her memory and miss her dearly.
My memories of Ann could not be more precious. I remember as if it was yesterday sitting with Ann and her mother (Ann Elizabeth), along with my grandmother Alice Heard, behind our house in Oregon during one of their lengthy visits. It was constant laughter, jokes, and joy – the best company you could ever imagine. Together they were unstoppable – Ann herself carried on the tradition and, even in the weeks before she died, she was as sharp as a whip (Ken: the doctors say you need an acute nurse to care for you. Ann: (with a sly smile) I think Ken would prefer “a cute” nurse….). She was one of a kind. I’m so grateful I got to spend time with her only weeks before she passed; Ken, thank you for arranging this for me and Dootsy Demas. And when I left, I held Ann tightly – much longer than one normally would, and I told her how much I loved her and how incredible she was. I now wish I had stayed even longer to hold her, to emphasize to her just how amazing she was. But I believe she got the message – and for that I’m grateful. Ann, you are now dancing with Wissy and the entire crew up in heaven. And I have to say, I’m looking forward to the day when I can join you all in what will undoubtedly be the best celebration in Heaven. I Love you! Reagan
My sympathy to the family.
Just recently, I saw the obituary for Ann. I have bee concerned of the lost contact with her on line. My sympathies to all the family. Hopefully, I’ll get to attend a performance of John’s in Nashville. I have many wonderful memories of us growing up together in Itta Bena.