Evelyn Agusta (Reid) Tolbert

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Evelyn Agusta (Reid) Tolbert, 89, of Gonzales, Texas, passed away on Dec. 1, 2019. She was born to the late Tillman Jesse Reid, Sr. and Elizabeth “Bunnie” (Scoggins) Reid on Oct. 1, 1930, in Gonzales, Texas. Evelyn graduated from Gonzales High School in 1949 and received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Baylor University in 1952, shortly after which she married Arthur Parr Tolbert on Nov. 27, 1952 in Gonzales. They moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she taught elementary school in the San Antonio Independent School District for 36 years before retiring. She and Art left the big city behind and moved back to the family place in Gonzales. Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Kay Drescher and husband, Gary Lee, of Gonzales; grandsons Kyle Ray Drescher, and Ross Lee Drescher and wife, Taylor, of Houston; and great-grandson Nico Parr Drescher of Houston. She is also survived by her sister, Jesse Nelle (Reid) Hahn of Pleasanton, and brother, Tillman Jesse Reid, Jr. and wife Patricia, of Gonzales, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was an energetic member of the Order of the Eastern Star and held numerous offices during her 57-year membership, holding the office of Worthy Matron multiple times in both Gonzales Chapter #403 and Waelder Chapter #1023. She was Past Mother Advisor of Huisache Assembly #267, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, in San Antonio, Texas, and a member of the Grand Cross of Color. She held Life memberships in the National Education Association, Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, and Texas Parents & Teacher’s Association, and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Although she disliked swimming, Evelyn was an avid water skier, managing to ski and drop without ever getting her hair wet. She camped out with family on the Texas Gulf coast, fished all day and cooked their catch, without benefit of electricity. After retirement, Evelyn’s hobbies were needlework and sewing, with all of her friends and family receiving personal Christmas ornaments from her many years of crafting.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of the Texan Nursing & Rehab of Gonzales for their dedication and tenderness during Evelyn’s final time with them.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul St., Gonzales, Texas 78629, and the funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, in the Seydler-Hill Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Ramirez officiating. Private interment will take place at the Gonzales Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers: T.J. Reid, Jr., Gary Drescher, Ross Drescher, James Findeisen, Danny Pool, and Ken Flukinger.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, 2222 Welborn St, Dallas TX 78219, or the charity of your choice. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

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