Evelyn Lamons

With a long life that spanned almost 90 years, Evelyn Lamons lived life to the fullest, embracing every moment and every person she met with a gentle, unforgettable spirit of love and kindness. She loved traveling, she appreciated the simple beauty found in nature, she always helped those who needed her, and most of all, she found joy and happiness when surrounded with her family and friends. Her daughters and her grandchildren were the light of her life. Through her compassion for others, her hard work, her generosity, and her never-ending positive outlook she taught many lessons. Evelyn Lamons will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who were blessed by her presence.

Evelyn’s life began during the grand time in America, known as the Roaring Twenties. The Great War was over, economic prosperity was all around, and a cultural edge pervaded the big cities like New York and Chicago. The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held during this time with a quarter of a million people turning out to watch the parade and march to Macy's flagship store on 34th Street.

It was during this exciting time that Arthur and Anne (Dommanschet) Preston were blessed with the birth of their baby girl, Evelyn, on August 16, 1924 in Chicago, IL.

Unfortunately, Evelyn’s father died when she was just a toddler. Her mother remarried, though, and Evelyn was raised then by her mother and step-father, Frank Krull, along with her step-brothers, Robert and George Krull. The family lived in Three Rivers, MI at that time which is where young Evelyn grew up. Three Rivers was a small city then, with close-knit neighborhoods; a good, wholesome place to experience life in your younger years. Evelyn attended the local schools there and graduated from Three Rivers High School.

After high school, in the midst of WWII, Evelyn did what many gals did at the time. She went to work at the Willow Run Assembly Plant in Ypsilanti, MI where they produced the B-24 Liberator Bomber. These women took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who were in the military. Often the gals were referred to as Rosie the Riveter becoming, perhaps, the first symbol of feminism.

Evelyn knew hard work, yes. Her kind and gentle spirit, though, fit perfectly as time went on with her devotion to St. Augustine Cathedral and the Cathedral Choir. As St. Augustine said, “Love is the beauty of the soul.” Evelyn had a way of caring about people, truly loving them. It was visible in her eyes and in her delicate smile. She was fully present when she spoke with you, in a way that lifted your own spirit and gave you hope. Evelyn had a lighter side too. Perhaps you’ve heard about her liking for cats, mystery books, crocheting, watching sports, and even bowling. Evelyn didn’t miss much in life, she enjoyed it all.

More than anything, Evelyn was dedicated to what she believed. Dedicated to her family, of course, but also to her friends, her church, and the Cathedral Choir. Psalm 47 says, “Lift your voices and shout the victory.” Perhaps that had a bearing on her commitment to the choir week after week, year after year, and to climbing the steps to the choir loft when it wasn’t easy for her to do.

Evelyn was also a dedicated snowbird! She loved it. The travel, the change of scenery and nature, seeing her friends and family, and escaping the cold winters for the warm sun in Florida. And as is perfectly fitting for Evelyn, the family’s greatest vacation was just last year—December of 2013. It was the first time in 20 years that all five family members were together in the same city at the same time! And yes, they went to Disney World where, together, they experienced the magic of Disney. More than that, they experienced the magic of a loving family, appreciating the love and kindness their mother and grandmother had poured into their hearts as they were growing up and living their own lives.

Family, friends, and all who knew Evelyn Lamons would say she was a blessing in their lives. She gave of herself to all. Her love, her courage, and her kindness will be remembered forever.

Evelyn Lamons, age 89, died August 14, 2014 in Davenport, FL. Evelyn was born August 16, 1924 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Arthur and Anne (Dommanschet) Preston. Members of her family include two children: Deborrah Morrison, Peggy Lamons, one brother: George (Lois) Krull; and two grandchildren: Paula Morrison and Michael Lamons. Cremation has taken place and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 5, 2014, 10:30am at St. Augustine Cathedral. Please visit Evelyn’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Cathedral Choir or National Kidney Foundation. Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.