Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries


Evelyn B. Willard

Evelyn B. Willard, age 96, of Fairfield, passed away quietly in her home and was 
promoted by her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Psa 116:15) on Sunday, October 7, 
2012.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at 
Capps Memorial Chapel, 113 East College Street, Fairfield, Texas.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., 
at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in the Turlington Community of Freestone County with 
Pastor Eston “Buddy” Turner officiating.

Evelyn Emmons, born on May 17, 1916, was the eighth child of Joe Irvin Emmons 
and Julia Elizabeth (James) Emmons. Shortly after birth, her mother tragically 
died when Evelyn was only 19 months old. Her father and older siblings had to 
raise the younger children during difficult economic times.

While living in the Turlington Community during the 1920 – 1930’s receiving an 
education was very difficult due to transportation problems, but Evelyn was 
determined to receive a high school diploma. She graduated from Fairfield High 
School in 1937.

Shortly thereafter, she married the love of her life Bert Willard, and later 
were the proud parents of four children. While raising their family, they farmed 
and held other jobs in the community. Bert was an expert carpenter and Evelyn 
worked for 20 years as secretary to the late county agriculture agent, John 
Pritchard.

Bert and Evelyn were avid gardeners and were honored in 1985 as Gardeners of the 
Year by the TEXAS GARDNER MAGAZINE. They were married for almost 59 years until 
Bert’s death in 1996.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her five brothers: Odis, Eston, Lacy, Polk and 
Horace Emmons, and by her two sisters Ruth Koonce and Gladys Emmons.

She is survived by her daughter, Gloria and husband Lester Smith of Fairfield; 
son, Irvin and wife Mary of Houston; son, Don and wife Cathey of Fairfield; and 
son Dan of Fairfield. She is also survived by six grandchildren, thirteen great 
grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.