Funeral services for Evelyn Cole Kell will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 14, 2019 in the Austin Avenue Church of Christ.
The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 until 7:30 at Heartland Funeral Home.
Evelyn Cole Kell, 86, of Brownwood, Texas, passed from death to life everlasting September 10, 2019, with her family by her side. She was born to Jewel Fox Cole and James Leonard Cole on November 25, 1932, in Pulaski, Tennessee. Evelyn graduated from Giles County High School in 1950, where she served as student body president, played on the girls basketball team, and was cast in several of the school’s drama productions. Evelyn attended Lipscomb College in Nashville, where she met the love of her life, her beloved Ted Kell, three weeks into their Freshman year. They were inseparable thereafter. After graduating with a B.A. in Elementary Education, Evelyn and Ted were married on August, 20, 1954. Evelyn is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Ted; and her four children: Stephan Kell of Richardson, TX; Karla Gerdes of Garland, TX; Jina Hinson of Snohomish, WA; and Shawn Kell, of Tomball, TX. “Grammie,” as she was lovingly known, is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and a cousin, Phyllis Boatwright of Lewisburg, TN. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and one son, Mark.
Evelyn loved being a wife, mother, and partner in ministry with Ted, who served as a full-time preacher in Churches of Christ in Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Texas, and in many missions efforts across the U.S. and internationally. Evelyn often accompanied Ted on these trips, endearing herself to many who benefited from her gracious wisdom and love, and delighted in her infectious laughter. Evelyn made herself available to many young moms, mentoring and encouraging them, with a special compassion for those dealing with hardship or grief.
All who knew Grammie knew of her love for children; as an only child, she dreamed of having a big family. In addition to being a fulltime mom of five with a special needs son, Grammie could often be found rocking the babies in church nurseries, and teaching the wee ones in children’s Bible classes. Her children learned the stories of Scripture from the Bible story book she oft read to them. And she often showed her love through the grace of hospitality, hosting untold hundreds over the years at her table and taking food to many more who were sick or bereaved. Her talents in the kitchen were legendary: homemade biscuits, chocolate roll, fried apricot pies, southern fried chicken, lemon meringue pie, and smothered venison steak, to only name a few!
Evelyn “Grammie” Kell was immensely proud of her family and fiercely devoted to God. She prayed daily for each of her children, “grands,” and “greats.” Over the years she wrote many a letter of encouragement to her family members and dear friends. Her ministry through word and deed will be greatly missed by all who knew her and were blessed by her life. She is now at Home with her Heavenly Father. “You did it, Gram!” See you soon.