Bennie Evelyn Black

Evelyn was born July 9, 1928 in Peach, Texas. She was the daughter of Dick and Flora Gilliam. Evelyn graduated high school in Paris, Texas in 1945. She met and married George Collins in Antlers, Oklahoma in 1946. They raised 3 daughters, Georgia Elaine, Janet Adelia, and Barbara Ann. Evelyn was employed by Rockwell International as an electronics inspector for 22 years. After retirement, Evelyn returned to Antlers as did 4 of her siblings. They enjoyed sharing several "golden" years together. In 1998, Evelyn joined daughter, Janet and son in law Sam Caldwell in making their home in Newark, Texas. Evelyn was active in both Boyd and Rhome Senior Citizens Center. She was brilliant at solving crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed crocheting, and made sure every family member was the recipient of one of her crocheted afghans. Evelyn was guided and sustained by her strong faith in God, and was a member of First Baptist Church Saginaw. Her family was her most prized possession, and she spent many hours playing games with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Flora Gilliam, brothers, James Gilliam, D.A. Gilliam, Benjamin Gilliam, Loyd Gilliam, sister Austeen Gilliam, grandson, Christopher Caster, and son-in-laws George Williams and Gary Caster.

She is loved and greatly missed by her daughters and son-in-laws, Elaine Williams Woodley and husband Gary, Janet and Sam Caldwell, and Barbara Caster. Her grandchildren, Darrin Caldwell, Brian Williams, Karen Caldwell, Brent Williams, Wendy Pledger, and Sam Caster. Her great grandchildren, Melody Chapa, Reagan Bandy, Raelyn Caldwell, Austin Williams, Rileigh Bandy, Conner Williams, Sarah Lasater, Kaiton Williams, Rori Flowers, Ann, Grace, and Lilly Pledger. Her great great grandson, Haegen Rohman. Brother, Billy Jack Gilliam.