Aug. 1, 1936 - Oct. 21, 2014
She loved her family, her home and her yard
Evelyn Lee Alexander, 78, of Neoga, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, after a long battle against pancreatic cancer. She was born Aug. 1, 1936, in Ash Grove Township, Shelby County, in rural Neoga.
Evelyn graduated valedictorian of Neoga High School Class of 1954. Upon graduating high school, she passed on the college scholarship she earned to continue working as an employee and officer of Cumberland County National Bank for the next 20 years. Evelyn left the bank to work for the local Neoga Community Unit School District as bookkeeper, treasurer and assistant to the superintendent. When the district built a new high school in 1978 and demolished the old school, she formed a town committee to save a 140-year-old gingko tree that was scheduled to be demolished for a parking lot. The tree still stands today.
Evelyn will be remembered for her love of her family, her home and her yard. She enjoyed gardening and feeding the birds; she was especially fond of hummingbirds. Evelyn loved her home and enjoyed decorating it and welcoming others to visit. Another joy was crocheting; she crocheted many afghans and personalized Christmas stockings for family and friends.
Evelyn’s nearly five-year journey with pancreatic cancer inspired those who knew her. Thanks to her intense determination, exceptional medical care and the power of prayer, she continually beat the odds of survival. She was enrolled in a clinical trial at Siteman Cancer Center in August 2012, and went through 2 ½ rounds of the protocol and was the last of 73 patients when it ended. She contributed to the development of new testing and treatment options by participating in the experimental clinical trial.
Most of all, Evelyn was the matriarch of her family. She never missed a special day, whether a birthday, grandkid’s school event or anniversaries. She kept the family together at holidays and made everyone feel special and loved.
– Winona Dulka, daughter
