Evelyn R Trainer

Evelyn Ruth Trainer, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on December 3rd at the age of 93. Born on March 26, 1931, in Gary, Indiana, Evelyn lived a life filled with overflowing joy, faith, and service to others.

Evelyn graduated from Indiana University in 1952, where she nurtured a passion for education. Shortly after, she married her high school sweetheart, Fred Trainer Jr., on June 14, 1952. The couple embarked on a new journey together, moving to Pasadena, Texas the day after their wedding.

A teacher for over 30 years in Pasadena ISD, Evelyn was a pioneer in early childhood education. She and two other colleagues piloted the first class for Early Childhood Education in the nation. Shortly after that groundbreaking class, their work was featured in Life Magazine. Evelyn’s dedication to working with special needs children profoundly impacted countless young lives, helping them achieve critical developmental and educational milestones. Her legacy as an educator and advocate has left a lasting impact on the families she taught and the trajectory of Special Education services in Texas.

Evelyn was an active and dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, where she sang in the adult choir for over three decades. She also served faithfully in numerous other ministries. Evelyn was a regular speaker for Christian Women’s Clubs, where she loved sharing her testimony to lead other women to Christ.

Evelyn moved to Richardson, Texas in 2013 to be close to family. She joined First Baptist Church of Richardson, sang in their choir, and was a part of several Bible studies both at church and with neighbors. Evelyn made new, dear friendships, and loved being a part of her great-grandchildren’s lives.

Jesus and family were the most precious gifts to Evelyn. Her unwavering faith and steadfast prayers made her a pillar of strength for her family, friends, and church community.

Evelyn is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Susan Jeffery (Craig), Lora Taylor (Don), and Kathy Fonville; her grandchildren, Julie Taylor, Erin Jeffery Rein (Jeremy), Kristin Taylor Likos (Nick), Bryan Fonville, Lauren Jeffery Decker (Chad), Jennifer Taylor Cantu (David), and Kara Fonville Richstone (Brett); and her 13 great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, her parents Clyde and Maudie Dameron, and her sister Mary Lou Baldauf.

Evelyn’s incredible faith, selflessness, and endless joy leave an enduring legacy that will forever be cherished by all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 2:00 PM at Sparkman Funeral Home at 1029 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson, TX, 75081.

In lieu of flowers – who are we kidding – if you knew Evelyn, you knew flowers were her favorite! Feel free to send flowers as a tribute to the joyful radiance she brought into all our lives or contribute to your favorite charity in her honor.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8