Evelyn G. Gooding Stevens-Conti

Evelyn Stephens Conti passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 16, 2016. She was born January 17, 1929 in Tampa, FL to Maud and Harold Gooding, Sr. She was predeceased by her brother, Harold Gooding, Jr., and former spouses Edward Conti and Carl Stephens.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara (“Bobbie”) Day of Ft. Myers, FL, her daughter, Patricia (“Patsy”) Stephens Henneman, of St. Pete Beach, FL, and two granddaughters, Whitney Grim of Tampa, FL and Emily Grim of Atlanta, GA.

Evelyn’s life was an example of grace, kindness, and an abiding love of animals. A lifelong horsewoman since her first riding lesson at the Tampa Yacht Club in 1942 (where, in later years, she went on to start her career as a horse trainer), Evelyn was known and respected on the local and national stage for her career in training champion American Saddlebred, hunter and jumper horses. She instructed a myriad of young people in the Tampa area (and beyond, in Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee) in the disciplines of hunt seat and saddle seat riding.

The 1986 Gasparilla Charity Horse Show Trainer of the Year, among other accolades, and the consummate teacher, Evelyn treated each of her horses and pupils with great care, respect, and compassion. She believed that if a child had a desire to learn how to ride, they should have that opportunity, regardless of whether or not they could afford lessons. She had an immeasurably positive impact on the lives of many of her students, many of whom now own and operate their own stables and professional training centers.

Evelyn’s impact as a horsewoman is a significant part of her legacy. In October 2016, shortly before her passing, she was honored by the Mayor of South Pasadena, Florida for her community involvement, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Born in South Tampa, Evelyn graduated from H.B. Plant High School and received a biology degree in 1950 from Florida State Women’s College (now Florida State University). She lived many of her twilight years in the house built by her father, Harold, surrounded by books and a lovely, if slightly wild, flower garden. An active member of her local Virginia Park neighborhood, Evelyn regularly assisted as a poll worker during election seasons and took great joy in visiting neighbors and the local library. Evelyn had a deep fondness for all animals, sharing her home with cherished Dobermans, Rottweilers, a Welsh Corgi, and the errant stray cat or squirrel over the years of her life.

Evelyn’s spirit of gentleness, generosity, and passion has touched the lives of many, two-legged or four-legged alike. She is greatly missed by friends and family.

Memorial contributions to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) are requested in lieu of flowers. A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at The Club at Treasure Island in the afternoon of Sunday, October 23, 2016. Condolences may be offered at BeachMemorial.com.