Evelyn “Evie” Sue Johnson, 77, of Sedro-Woolley passed away gracefully and peacefully on May 19, 2017 in Mount Vernon, WA after her second courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by many of her adoring loved ones.
Evelyn was the second oldest of 5 children born to Wendell “Jack” and Bernice Johnson on August 3, 1939 in Crossnore, NC. Here she spent her early childhood years before her family relocated to Rockport, WA and she attended school in Concrete.
She married Thomas “Tommy” Dellinger at age 16 in 1955 and together they raised 7 children in Rockport before parting ways. She later married William “Bill” Gerard in 1974 and together they had 1 more child. The family lived in Black Diamond for a short period before making their home together in Sedro-Woolley. In 1997, Evelyn united with Marvin “Marv” Johnson and later became his loving bride. Together they shared a home in Sedro-Woolley along with their loyal dog Buddy, where they lived happily for 20 years.
Her most cherished role in life was being a homemaker and wonderful mother to her children. She was devoted, loving, hardworking and steadfast not only as a wife and mother to her 8 children but also a treasured granny to 22 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren. Evie had the most giving, accepting heart and touched so many people whether related through blood or just through love.
Evie did not always have an easy life but gave great advice to take one day at a time and put one foot in front on the other. Despite any obstacles she always found a way to have a good time. Some of her favorite things were birds, gardening, bargain hunting, camping, country music, slot machines, making sure you had a full tummy, dancing, looking her best, smiling, and laughing with family and friends.
She spent many of her later years as an in-home caretaker for the elderly until her illness made it difficult to continue. Throughout her battle she remained brave and courageous, forever determined to fight cancer until the day she was called Home.
Evelyn is survived by her husband, Marvin Johnson; her children, Vickie (Steve) Olander, Bevie (Terry) Dellinger-Davis, Brad (Della) Dellinger, Thomas “Squirt” Dellinger, Guy (Jenny) Dellinger, David “Goob” (Cari) Dellinger, Susy (Tami) Dellinger, and Billie (Kenya) Lyons. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Carolyn Aldridge, Vernon “Sonny” Johnson, and Larry “Pudge” Johnson.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Lemley Chapel, followed by a Graveside Service at Union Cemetery and a Celebration of Life reception at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center. A time of visitation will be available Thursday from 2 to 5, Friday from 9 to 5 and Saturday from 9 to noon at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.