June 29th, 1940 - May 8th, 2024
Evelyn Loretta Osborn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on May 8, 2024, at The Gallery in Broomfield, CO, due to complications from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. She was born on June 29, 1940, in Baxterville, MS, to parents William Edward “Buck” and Annie Maxine Howard.
Evelyn's journey was marked by significant milestones and achievements. She attended Oak Grove High School, where she played basketball and graduated as Valedictorian, setting the stage for a lifetime of academic success. She went on to earn a B.S. in Home Economics from William Carey College, followed by an M.S. and licensure in Mental Health Counseling, and finally, attended the Ph.D program in Adult Education at the University of Southern Mississippi, focusing on Adult ADHD.
In 1961, Evelyn married William Powell “Bill” Osborn, immediately following their joint graduation from William Carey College. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage, living in multiple states over the years from Mississippi to Oregon, California, and finally in Colorado. Though she worked as a high school teacher in Oregon, an adult educator in California, then a Real Estate Agent in Mississippi, Evelyn eventually pursued a career in mental health. She and Bill worked together at their clinic that she managed, Sassafras Hill Counseling Center, for many years, touching the lives of countless individuals in their community.
Evelyn is pre-deceased by her parents Buck and Maxine Howard, and her brother James Howard (Karen).
Evelyn is survived by her husband, Bill Osborn, her children Tonya Kristensson (Mats), Tara Di Iulio (Michael, part.), and Chad Osborn, siblings William “Billy” Howard (Jan), Gwen Barton, and Faye Wilson, and chosen family Filo Jimerson (Johnny). She leaves behind grandchildren Sofia Di Iulio and Noah Kristensson, chosen grandchildren Lucy Nelson (Luke) and Beth Huffmaster (Jared) and their children, as well as distanced grandchildren Nathan, Makenzie, Kain, and Laken (formerly Osborn).
Evelyn was an unstoppable force. She was a doer, an ardent planner who compulsively made lists, carrying a small notebook and a ball point pen in her purse at all times. Dressed in a purple or mauve velour track suit, donning glitter-tipped nails and silver slip-on sneakers, she rarely stood still for long. She thrived on forward motion.
Evelyn was an excellent cook who specialized in the Southern cuisine of her upbringing. Wielding a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, she often prepared crispy fried okra, savoury cornbread with real butter, and chicken-fried pork chops. As a Christmas tradition, she made Southern delicacies every year — Divinity, Pralines, Butterscotch Haystacks, Date Fingers, and Martha Washington Candy — sharing treats with family and friends. In fact, she had quite the sweet tooth and often kept a “secret stash” hidden in various places to be discovered later with some delight.
Evelyn loved the piano, often rounding up family members to join her while playing old timey Gospel hymns or Christmas carols on her baby grand, singing along slightly out of tune. She was a church pianist for many years, and played at home whenever the spirit moved her.
Though she had been a talented seamstress since early days, making her own clothing and wedding gown as well as outfits for her young daughters, Evelyn became enamoured with quilting in retirement. After taking a quilting class with daughter Tonya, she joined a quilting circle and created many quilts for family members and friends, which have become treasured objects. The last quilt she worked on for a dear friend — a “cats quilt” — was recently shown in an exhibit in southern Mississippi.
Evelyn was a Southern Baptist and found solace and community in her faith, actively participating in church activities and Bible Study groups. Evelyn's dedication to her beliefs and commitment to service will be deeply missed by her church group family.
Evelyn was a woman of remarkable strength and resilience. She survived multiple health challenges in her lifetime, from a nearly fatal car crash to Lupus, Sjogrens Syndrome, and surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. Her life was a testament to the power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
In accordance with her wishes, Evelyn’s daughters will honor her life in a private gathering of quiet reflection together this summer. To celebrate Evelyn’s life, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Sjögren’s Foundation or Lupus Foundation of America in her honor.
Evelyn Loretta Osborn leaves behind a legacy of resolve, unparalleled stamina, and tremendous generosity. Her strength and resiliency will live on in the memories of those fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest now peacefully, knowing that it is finally a time to be still, and that her impression on the lives of others was deeply meaningful.
