1925
Evelyn
2024
Evelyn Norris
June 26, 1925 — July 7, 2024
Evelyn B. Norris, 99, of Champaign, IL (formerly of Decatur, IL), passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at Carriage Crossing Senior Living in Champaign. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, Decatur, IL with Rev. Julie Callaghan officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at Monticello Township Cemetery, Monticello, IL.
Evelyn Mae Baird was born June 26, 1925, at Bunker Hill, IL, the daughter of William E. and Mildred (Kastien) Baird. She attended Monticello schools and graduated in the Class of 1943 from Monticello High School and from the University of Illinois (College of Commerce) in 1949. She worked 2 1/2 years during WWII before entering the University of Illinois.
She married Nyle W. (“Hank”) Norris at the Monticello Methodist Church on June 5, 1949. They were childhood friends, began dating in high school, and then enjoyed nearly 70 years of married life. During their marriage, Hank and Evelyn were actively involved in church activities (as members of FUMC since 1949) and enjoyed many activities with family and friends, including picnics, potlucks, camping, and traveling. Among her many volunteer activities, Evelyn served on several church committees, taught Sunday School (along with Hank), and was a Girl Scout leader. As their family grew, Hank and Evelyn were active supporters of their children’s activities and sporting events, and those of their grandchildren in Mt. Zion, Champaign, Pearland, Texas, and Columbia, Missouri. They especially enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. Although being a wife, mother, and grandmother brought her the greatest joy and was her highest priority, she also worked as a secretary (before having children) and later as a teaching assistant, and then with the U. S. Department of Labor. Hank and Evelyn were loyal University of Illinois fans and cheered them on from near and far throughout their lives. She was an avid reader and an exceptional cook. She enjoyed preparing dinners for her family and friends using the wonderful fruits and vegetables from Hank’s garden. Evelyn was much-loved by her family and friends and will be remembered for the love and support she generously gave to others.
Hank and Evelyn were blessed with three children: Jane Ann (Michael) Walker of Columbia, MO, Mary Beth Norris of Champaign IL, and Charles W. (Teri) Norris of Pearland, TX. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren: Jennifer (Shawn) Moore of Collinsville, IL, Megan (Matthew) Helfer of Decatur, IL, Brian Murphy (Taylor Hamilton) of Leroy, IL, Kevin Murphy (Kaitlyn Kinkelaar) of Savoy, IL, Cara (Derek) Harmon of Ashland, MO, Callie (John) Sell of Ashland, MO, Crista (Tanner) Kruger of Ashland, MO, Brittani (Destry) Conoley of Pearland, TX, and Danielle (Nick) Gable of League City, TX; and 13 great-grandchildren: Evangeline and Mercedes Gable, Colton and Sawyer Conoley, Mason, Morgan, and Mitchell Helfer, Brinley and Blaire Harmon, Levi and Riley Kruger, Brooklyn Dickes, and RoseAnna Kinkelaar. She also leaves a brother, Charles H. Baird and his wife Roberta of New Lenox, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Carriage Crossing- Champaign and the OSF Home Care/Hospice Team for their wonderful care of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.
Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home will be assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church at 201 W. North St., Decatur, IL 62522.
Evelyn Mae Baird was born June 26, 1925, at Bunker Hill, IL, the daughter of William E. and Mildred (Kastien) Baird. She attended Monticello schools and graduated in the Class of 1943 from Monticello High School and from the University of Illinois (College of Commerce) in 1949. She worked 2 1/2 years during WWII before entering the University of Illinois.
She married Nyle W. (“Hank”) Norris at the Monticello Methodist Church on June 5, 1949. They were childhood friends, began dating in high school, and then enjoyed nearly 70 years of married life. During their marriage, Hank and Evelyn were actively involved in church activities (as members of FUMC since 1949) and enjoyed many activities with family and friends, including picnics, potlucks, camping, and traveling. Among her many volunteer activities, Evelyn served on several church committees, taught Sunday School (along with Hank), and was a Girl Scout leader. As their family grew, Hank and Evelyn were active supporters of their children’s activities and sporting events, and those of their grandchildren in Mt. Zion, Champaign, Pearland, Texas, and Columbia, Missouri. They especially enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. Although being a wife, mother, and grandmother brought her the greatest joy and was her highest priority, she also worked as a secretary (before having children) and later as a teaching assistant, and then with the U. S. Department of Labor. Hank and Evelyn were loyal University of Illinois fans and cheered them on from near and far throughout their lives. She was an avid reader and an exceptional cook. She enjoyed preparing dinners for her family and friends using the wonderful fruits and vegetables from Hank’s garden. Evelyn was much-loved by her family and friends and will be remembered for the love and support she generously gave to others.
Hank and Evelyn were blessed with three children: Jane Ann (Michael) Walker of Columbia, MO, Mary Beth Norris of Champaign IL, and Charles W. (Teri) Norris of Pearland, TX. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren: Jennifer (Shawn) Moore of Collinsville, IL, Megan (Matthew) Helfer of Decatur, IL, Brian Murphy (Taylor Hamilton) of Leroy, IL, Kevin Murphy (Kaitlyn Kinkelaar) of Savoy, IL, Cara (Derek) Harmon of Ashland, MO, Callie (John) Sell of Ashland, MO, Crista (Tanner) Kruger of Ashland, MO, Brittani (Destry) Conoley of Pearland, TX, and Danielle (Nick) Gable of League City, TX; and 13 great-grandchildren: Evangeline and Mercedes Gable, Colton and Sawyer Conoley, Mason, Morgan, and Mitchell Helfer, Brinley and Blaire Harmon, Levi and Riley Kruger, Brooklyn Dickes, and RoseAnna Kinkelaar. She also leaves a brother, Charles H. Baird and his wife Roberta of New Lenox, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Carriage Crossing- Champaign and the OSF Home Care/Hospice Team for their wonderful care of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.
Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home will be assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church at 201 W. North St., Decatur, IL 62522.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Evelyn Norris, please visit our flower store.
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