Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Evelyn Grace White

Evelyn Grace White, 98, of Poteau, OK passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2010 in Poteau. Evelyn was born on June 21, 1911 in Killen, AL to Frank C. & Anna (Heinrick) Peck. She was the 14th of 14 children born to her parents. Evelyn was a member of First United Methodist Church of Poteau & a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, 9 brothers, 4 sisters, and her beloved husband of 47 years, Grady Otis White. Evelyn married Otis White on December 25, 1937. They lived in Tennessee until 1943 when they moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Evelyn worked for Fisher Body in air ducts of the B-29 bombers. Later, they moved to California and got jobs working in the shipyards. Evelyn was hired as a drill press operator (Rosie the Riveter). In 1945 they returned to Poteau where they operated a farm/cattle operation until Otis passed away in 1984. Evelyn continued to live on the farm until 2007 when ill health forced her to move into an assisted living center in Poteau. At the age of 93, Evelyn flew to Richmond, CA where she received a certificate of appreciation from the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Society. Music was always a very important part of Evelyn’s life. She was a faithful member of her church choir until December 20, 2009. At the age of 95, an anthem was written in her honor with her years of service to God through her ministry of music in mind by Dallas composer, Gregory Ayers. Evelyn was known to say, “I do not regret anything I’ve done and I am glad that I got to experience everything I did. I’m fortunate and God has blessed me tremendously.” Evelyn is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; her friends & church family. Funeral services for Evelyn were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 14, 2010 at First United Methodist Church of Poteau, OK with the Reverend Greg Tener officiating. Interment followed the services in Oakland Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Kyle Hardaway, Jeff Mixon, Steve Clark, Richard Peck, Johnny Baker, & Toby Culver.

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