Evelyn Burch Webb West's Obituary
Evelyn Burch Webb West, 89, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2012. She was an educator, mentor, mother, grandmother, patriot, singer, humorist, gardener, writer, and true friend. Evelyn was born in Fulton, Mississippi, and received her B.S. in English and Business from Blue Mountain College and her M.S. in Education from the University of Memphis. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C., during World War II in a capacity that was never known because she was sworn to secrecy for her role during the war effort and she never shared what that important work for her country entailed. She taught at Itawamba County High School and then spent 33 years teaching for the Memphis City Schools. She taught English, American history, and civics, as well as imparting an importance of integrity and honesty to her students. She was an active member of Lindenwood Christian Church for many years and served as Deaconess, Deacon, President of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, and sang in the choir. In addition, she wrote numerous articles that appeared in the church newspaper. She was a member of the Friendship Class and actively participated in a Thursday night Bible study group. She also served quietly wherever there was a need and exhibited a generous spirit, usually tinged with a sense of humor. As an educator, she received many awards, including Teacher of the Year at Hamilton High School. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, William F. Webb, Jr., Robert West, with whom she enjoyed 18 happy years of marriage, siblings Leeman Burch, Grady Burch, Varnelle Davis, Ruby Burch, and Nelson Burch. She leaves a daughter, Wanda Webb Carruthers, and her husband, Paul, cherished grandsons Paul Chisholm Carruthers and McCain Burch Carruthers, sisters Ann Wheeler and Karleen Crockett, brother, Dr. Tom Burch, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her kind spirit, generous heart, and many talents will be missed but will live on in happy memories. Memorials in her name can be directed to the Music Department at Lindenwood Christian Church. The service of celebration of her life will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, November 19, with visitation preceding the service at 1:30 p.m.
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