Evelyn Ethel Taylor-Johnson, 96, of Ardmore, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at her home in Ardmore, surrounded by her loving family.  The family will welcome friends for visitation at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester on Friday, November 11th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, November 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow at McAlester's North Town Cemetery.

Evelyn Ethel Taylor-Johnson was born on March 23, 1926 in Crowder to Carrie Meadows-Taylor and Edward Taylor.  She grew up in McAlester with her only sibling, Annie Bell Smith.  She spent a great deal of time with her dad on the farm, tending to the livestock.  She mostly read and enjoyed her solitude.  She loved music and learned to play the piano at an early age.  She graduated from L'Ouverture High School in McAlester, then attended Langston University, Eastern Oklahoma State College, and graduated from Southeastern State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education.

Evelyn touched the lives of many children during her lengthy teaching career, social and community involvement, and volunteer work.  She was well-know for encouraging her students to reach their full potential and serving as an advocate for her students.  She was also an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Ardmore, where she served in the past as the Superintendent of Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

She was a passionate mother, friend, colleague, and administrator.  She never hesitated to take on a challenge and was admired for her tenacity and courage.  She was a woman that was an inspiration to people that crossed her path.  She was a voice for the voiceless and will be remembered as a woman that possessed courage, strength, confidence, character, and resiliency.  She passed on her love of teaching to her children, and in return, most of her children now have careers that help and support children to grow and develop.  She was inspirational, determined and head-strong.  These were just some of the qualities we know and loved about her.  She was a brave woman of strong beliefs and convictions.  After retiring from the Ardmore Public School District, she enjoyed gardening, playing the piano, caring for her grandchildren, and watching the Judge Judy show.

Some of her achievements include:  Board member for Sunshine Industries; Ladies of Action member; Fish and Loaves Food Program volunteer; Special Education teacher and 4-H Leader at Pernell, OK; Flying By Summer Program volunteer advisor; Ardmore High School Special Education teacher and Cheerleader Director; Special Education teacher at Honey Grove, TX; Headstart teacher at Krebs, OK; and Choir Director at East Star Baptist Church in Ardmore.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Carrie and Edward Taylor; husband, Eulus Johnson, Sr.; Sons, Charles Jones, Paul Lawrence Carter, Eulus Johnson, Jr., and Karry Johnson; and a sister, Annie Bell Smith.  She is survived by sons, Christopher "CL" Carter, Troy Johnson, and Derward Johnson; daughters, Jeannie Cummings, Obelia Shaw, Jacqueline Johnson, Maxine Johnson, Deloures L. Smith, Marilyn Berry, Sharon Fleming, Debbie Johnson-Mardini, Patricia Johnson-Loren, and Annette Johnson.  She leaves to mourn her loss a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved and spent quality time with.

Special thank you to her hairdresser Beverly.