Florence Evelyn Everett
(ROANOKE) Florence Evelyn Everett, 96, of Roanoke passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Roanoke Healthcare.
Born Feb. 12, 1925, to Henry Tillman and Stella Mae Ousley Gregg, Evelyn enjoyed her childhood in Chilton County, where she would wile away the hours working on their family farm, playing in the creek and taking care of all of her beloved animals. As the middle of five children, Evelyn was always the peacemaker and placater amongst the group and thus began her desire to become a nurse. After much hard work, Evelyn realized her dream by attending nursing school at South Highlands Infirmary School of Nursing and graduated in 1948.
While at nursing school, Evelyn met and fell in love with her favorite soldier, Gerald “Gerry” Waddell Everett, and they married in 1948. This began a more than 65-year love affair that is evidenced by five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her children fondly remember their parents’ loving and peaceful marriage and gain much comfort in knowing they are finally reunited. None would be surprised to see them holding hands in heaven and heading to the white sands of the beach while sharing a sweet look or funny story. Evelyn was a wonderful helpmate to Gerry as he completed medical school, and for many years throughout their marriage, she would serve as one of his nurses in his medical practice. She also worked as a nurse at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, as well as for the Alabama Department of Public Health as a home health nurse and was director of nursing at Traylor’s Nursing Center in Roanoke, where she was head nurse.
Between raising five children, cooking for seven (she was an incredible cook!) and working as a nurse, there was not much time to delve into many hobbies, but Evelyn loved being outdoors. An avid gardener, she had a green thumb, and her yard was always a showplace of beautiful flowers, ferns, trees and unique statues and pottery pieces. In fact, many memories have been made at weddings, rehearsal dinners, family get-togethers and holidays that have been spent in the peaceful oasis of a yard that Evelyn created. There is always a breeze blowing at the family home on the hill in Roanoke, and you could find her swinging on the front porch watching for her beloved birds, especially the redbirds, hummingbirds and chickadees.
Evelyn touched many lives in her 96 years. She was much loved by her former patients, neighbors, friends and family. Her very real sense of love and genuine concern for all people, no matter their background, are a true testament to the difference she has made in the lives of those people around her. A nurse to the end, after finally physically getting to see her children over the Easter weekend, she knew they were all doing well and that now, it was time for her to take her well-earned rest and see her beloved Gerry.
Evelyn is survived by her five children: her two daughters, Becky Everett Neal of Theodore and Robin Hall (Danny) of Roanoke; three sons, Gregg Everett (Venna) of Montgomery, Russell Everett of Troy and Shane Everett (Sherry) of Roanoke; five grandchildren, Sarah Claire Dixon (Michael) of Mobile, Brantley Everett (Nikki) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Joshua Everett of Roanoke, Price Everett and Lily Everett, both of Montgomery; and two great-grandchildren, Stella Mae Dixon and Harvey Charles Dixon, both of Mobile. She was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings and her beloved husband, Dr. Gerald W. Everett.
A private graveside service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Randolph County Learning Center, P.O. Box 127, Roanoke, AL 36724.
