Evelyn (Dickson) Covell

Evelyn Covell, age 100, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at her residence.  She was born in Savannah, TN, on August 2, 1913, daughter of the late James Oscar and Annie Cherry (Nee:  Morris) Dickson.  Her siblings, Leonard, Annie Laurie, Elise, Harold and James all preceded her in death.

Survived by children, John, Richard and Mary Covell; grandsons, Jesse and Evan Covell; and great-granddaughters, Riley Marie and Evelyn Jane Covell.  Numerous and treasured nieces and nephews, special friend Shelley Zepnick, cousins, assorted kin and many, many friends.

After high school, she earned her R.N. from Nashville Hospital School of Nursing.  Evelyn worked there after graduating, then moved to Cleveland to work at Cleveland City General Hospital.  It was there she met her future husband, Dr. K.W. (Wendell) Covell.   Evelyn helped open a tuberculosis center in North Carolina, but Wendell followed her there and married her in Ashville, NC, on November 2, 1939.   Together, they moved to Racine in 1940 and set up his practice.

During WWII, Evelyn moved around the U.S. with Wendell as he moved from base to base, then returned to Racine when he went to Europe for the remainder of the war.

Evelyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church from the time she came to Racine until her death.  She counted many members as dear friends throughout her life, and found love, faith and support from the church every day.

She was active in many organizations throughout her life including St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, The Racine Symphony Orchestra Guild, the Hoy Club, YWCA, Wustum Museum and the Racine Art Museum.  She loved visiting The Clearing in Door County and attended many classes there.  She helped found the Big Sisters organization in Racine.  Evelyn supported her children’s activities as a Cub Scouts Den Mother, a Brownie Leader, a volunteer for the YMCA Boys Choir and a chaperone for many events.

Evelyn loved to travel and gave that love of adventure to her children.  She had been all over the world – every continent but Antarctica – and brought back amazing stories of those trips. She was equally willing for everyday adventures and attended concerts, art openings, museums and parties of every ilk.

A long-time, ardent Republican, Evelyn worked for various campaigns, but was most enthusiastic for the young Paul Ryan when he first ran for Congress from her district.  It was an emotional event when she was in the 2013 4th of July parade and Rep. Ryan came to greet her personally before the festivities began.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 5, 2014, at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave., with Rev. Ben Johnston-Krase officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Sunday at the church from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. Private entombment will be held at Mound Cemetery.  Memorials to the First Presbyterian Church or to the Racine Symphony Orchestra have been suggested.

A very special thank you to Evelyn’s wonderful caregivers, the staff at Wheaton Franciscan, and  Wheaton Franciscan Home Health and Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888