Evelyn Tylene Wright, 88, of Fort Worth, TX, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Born November 17, 1935 to Fred and Maud Shields in Santa Anna, TX, Evelyn grew up alongside eight brothers and sisters (most of whom were older than her and enjoyed tormenting her like any good big brother or sister should do). As a child, Evelyn thrived in school, making good grades that earned her interscholastic recognition, participating on multiple sports teams, and even starring in her senior class play as one of the lead characters. Graduating in the top 10 in her class, Evelyn left her mark on Santa Anna High School.
After high school, Evelyn moved to Fort Worth and attended the American Business Institute while working and falling in love with her soon-to-be husband, Joe. The two married in April of 1955, but that didn’t slow Evelyn down from working and continuing her education. Over the next 20 years, Evelyn continued to work while raising three children and pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Though she never finished the degree, she didn’t miss a detail creating a portfolio outlining her entire life to that point, earning her a lot of college credit. Unfortunately, Evelyn was forced into early retirement when she was injured at work. This did not stop her, however, from picking up part-time work and continuing to be a mentor to the local community and church.
In her older years, Evelyn enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren (and later, great-grandchildren) and watching them every chance she could. From baseball practice and dance rehearsals to cleaning house and making supper, Evelyn was known as one of the best babysitters out there (according to her granddaughter). If anyone ever needed a helping hand, Evelyn did what she could to be that person to help whenever she could.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Maude Shields; eight brothers and sisters, Nell, Leona, Leo, Myrle, Hollis, Edith, Chester Ray and Robert, and her son, Christopher Wright.
She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Walls and husband Bruce; son Danny Wright and wife Lori; seven grandchildren, Aaron Helm and wife Ashley, Brandon Helm and wife Courtney, Heather Tidwell, Cameron Wright and wife Jennifer, Cayla Wright, Micah Wright, and Christopher Wright; eight great-grandchildren, Scott, Samuel, Jack, Landry, Bailey, Kayla, Bailey and Cutter and many nieces and nephews.
The family will host a visitation starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024 with the graveside service following at 12:00 p.m. at Santa Anna Cemetery Pavilion, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home, Coleman. Evelyn will be laid to rest next to her parents and siblings in Santa Anna, Texas.
Remembrances and condolences may be left for the family on Evelyn Tylene Wright’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wright family.