Mildred Evans

There were many things that enriched the daily life of Mildred Evans, but nothing was more near and dear to her heart than the family she adored more than life itself. Her devotion to her husband and children was unmatched, and although she treasured these roles she just may have argued that being a grandmother was the greatest gift in her life. Mildred was truly beautiful on the inside and out as she was the sort of woman who would do something for anyone in need. Through the life she lived each day she created a brilliant mosaic of memories that will be a treasure in the lives of her family and friends for years to come.

The entire decade of the 1930s was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Although the unemployment rate was on the decline by 1937, there were still countless Americans without work and without homes. We could still see glimmers of hope here and there, however, such as in the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge and the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This same year was a year to remember for one young family from Flint, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby girl on August 11th. Baby Mildred Louise was the older of two girls born to her parents, Clifford and Ila Mae (Shoebottom) Wheaton. She was raised in the family home alongside her sister, Mary, who was one year her junior in a close-knit family. Mildred’s father worked for General Motors while her mother was a busy homemaker. Her father was quite good with his hands as he built kitchen cabinets and stone fireplaces, and her mother was known for her skills in the kitchen as no one ever left her table hungry.

Family time was important during Mildred’s upbringing as they spent a lot of time together camping, fishing, and traveling. They also frequently gathered with extended family members like her aunts and uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles, and grandparents. Mildred always enjoyed family trips to the lake and memorable picnics, too. She was particularly close with her grandparents and liked playing china dolls with her sister. Mildred attended local schools and graduated from Flint Technical Institute in 1955.

Life was forever changed for Mildred when she met the young man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was William E. Evans, and after falling deeply in love the couple was united in marriage on July 23, 1955, at Austin Avenue Baptist Church in Flint. Together they were blessed with two girls, Karen and Jeannie. As a mother Mildred was strict and instilled a strong work ethic in the lives of her girls, but her unending love for them was something they never questioned.

Throughout her life Mildred filled her journey with so many things. For several years she worked as a bookkeeper including at General Electric during her younger days and later at Burkland Incorporated for 23 years until she retired. Their retirement years provided Mildred and Bill more time to spend doing the things they loved. For several years they wintered in Florida for several months, and they also took some computer classes together at Alpena Community College. Mildred also loved to travel, yet she truly enjoyed spending time at their lakefront home. She dabbled in photography and loved everything dealing with water. When grandchildren joined their family she couldn’t have been happier as she lived to be with them as often as she could. It was easy to see that the sun rose and set with both Zachary and Connor.

Together with her husband, Mildred moved to the Alpena area in 1991, and this small town is where she would call home for the rest of her life.

Someone who was content in all things, Mildred Evans was a blessing in the lives of those around her. Her life was not without times of trial, but her quiet strength and graceful spirit remained her constant companion. Mildred will be remembered for her love for and devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren as this is her shining legacy. She was conservative in her dress and traditional in her beliefs, and her strong work ethic provides us all with much to aspire for. Mildred will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Mildred Louise Evans of Alpena died Saturday, April 14, 2012, at Alpena Regional Medical Center. Mildred’s family includes her daughter; Jeannie (Richard) Lovelady of Alpena and Arizona, two grandchildren; Zachary Watts, and Connor O’Brien. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Bill on April 16, 2011, her daughter, Karen O’Brien on February 20, 2006 and her sister, Mary Toombs. Mildred Evans is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena where friends may call on Thursday, April 19, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Leslie Nye officiating. Memorial donations may be made to ACS Relay for Life. Please visit Mildred’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or sign the on-line guest book.