Winnie Joyce Duncan Evans, age 95 of Celeste, Texas died peacefully Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at Briarcliff Health Center in Greenville, Texas. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Celeste, Texas, with Bro. James Ralson and Bro. Jim Sherwin officiating. Burial will follow at Celeste Hogeye Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be at 1:00P.M. at the church prior to the service. R. W. Owens and Son Funeral Home of Wolfe City is in charge of arrangements.
She was born to James David Duncan and Icie Mae (Crawley) Duncan Walker on July 25, 1923 in the Hickory Creek community, Hunt County, Texas. She attended school in Hunt County, and in 1940 graduated from Celeste High School.
Mrs. Evans married Ralph Harrell Evans, Sr. on September 7, 1940 in Durant, OK. Winnie was a loving wife, devoted mother, and beloved grandmother. She was a hard worker and helped Ralph run and operate Evans & Son Grocery Store in Celeste from 1947-1961. After the store closed, she worked at Henington Publishing Company in Wolfe City, Texas. Winnie loved the Lord and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Celeste. She taught Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible School when she was younger. Later in life she gained much joy from her senior ladies Sunday School class. She supported mission work through WMU. Winnie had a natural gift of meeting the needs of others and used that by serving on the hospitality committee at church. Winnie was dedicated to the Celeste community and Celeste schools. She touched the lives of numerous generations. She was a member of the PTA and Booster Club. She was always willing to volunteer wherever help was needed. She had a great love for the Hogeye Community Center and its members and worked hard to make the annual stew supper a success. Winnie belonged to many clubs and organizations. She enjoyed being a member of Eastern Star, Tops, and the Celeste Craft Club. She and Ralph enjoyed camping in their travel trailer and they traveled throughout the United States and Canada. They traveled with their friends in the traveling group, Texas Bluebonnet Club. They also enjoyed trips with family to South Texas and the Gulf Coast of Texas. Winnie was outgoing and enjoyed meeting new people and seeing new places. She was a selfless person who showed kindness and hospitality to all. Winnie was a wonderful cook, a talented seamstress, and an amazing gardener. She was a doting grandmother who loved having her grandchildren and family at her home.
Mrs. Evans is survived by her four sons; Ralph Evans, Jr. and wife Lou of Celeste, Donnie Evans and wife Pam of Celeste, Bill Evans of Como, and Garland Evans and wife Patty of Celeste, daughter Michele Scoggins and husband Mark of Leonard, grandchildren; Ray & Rhonda Evans, Eric & Abi Evans, Jared & Jacquelyn Evans, Jason & Angie Evans, Andy & Candace Evans, Laine & Tommy Randack, Brian Evans, Chris & Laura Evans, Kirsten Evans, and 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Neomah Merrell and Ruth Walker, brother Joe Duncan and grandson Clay Evans.