Shirley Evans

(April 13, 1935 – July 18, 2026)

Shirley Ann Smith Evans left this home to be welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior in Heaven on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Shirley was the first daughter born to Darwin and Ila Smith on April 13, 1935 in Big Spring, Texas. She enjoyed 13 years of being an only child until she was joined by her sister Darla to complete their family. Shirley loved all things music and was active in Band, playing the clarinet. After graduating high school in Iraan in 1951, she briefly attended Abilene Business College with 3 other classmates before deciding to move to Midland and work for Standard Oil Company. It was in Midland on a blind date that she met her lifelong love that would last for 73 wonderful years.

Shirley married Kenneth Ray Evans on June 6, 1953 in Weatherford, Texas and they continued to make their home in Midland. They welcomed their first son, Gary Ray into the family in 1954. Dusty Wayne joined the trio in 1956. Lee Douglas completed the household family when he arrived in 1960. After having her children, Shirley wanted to earn her college degree. The family had relocated to the farming community of Fargo,Texas. This move made it possible for Shirley to attend Midwestern University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970. She also completed her Master of Arts degree in 1981 at Western New Mexico University. Shirley held many jobs over the years, including Standard Oil, Shell Oil Company and Texas Department of Transportation, but teaching was her calling.

Shirley began her teaching career at Northside ISD in Fargo, Texas. She also taught in Fayetteville and Perrin-Whitt ISD. She mostly taught English and History. She also loved Theater and loved directing plays and One Act competitions.
Shirley completed her teaching career at Ranger College, where she taught English until her retirement in 1999. Shirley’s influence as a teacher and as the wife of a pastor was far reaching. She kept in touch with many of her former students and youth and enjoyed watching their accomplishments and journeys. She gave generously of her time to mentor all who came into her life.

Shirley took great pride in her family. She followed their lives and accomplishments with genuine interest and love. She was the happiest when the whole family was together. She explored her family genealogy and kept lots of records of what she discovered. She also loved to craft. She made many thoughtful gifts for Christmas to be passed down and treasured for many years to come. She loved attending musicals and local plays well into her golden years.
Shirley was many things to many people. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and a friend; but most importantly, she was a Christian. Her faith was the most important part of her life. Her final church home was the Hico Church of Christ.

Shirley joins her parents, Darwin and Ila Smith, her son, Gary Evans, her nephew, Denny Darwin Knight and her great niece Moira Hope Knight in Heaven.

She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Ken Evans, her sons Dusty Evans and Lee Evans (Stephanie), her sister, Darla Rohan (Ron), her grandchildren Stephanie Koopman(Josh), Taylor Evans, Bailey Evans and Jordan Evans. She is also survived by great grandchildren, Paisley, Teagan, Ryker and Krece Koopman, nephew Chris Knight(Maryann) and niece Nika Davis(Don).

Visitation will be held at Harvest Hills Funeral Home in Hico, Texas on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Hico Church of Christ located at 301 Pecan Street in Hico at 1:00PM on July 23, 2026. Gary Montgomery and Joe Dale Wilson will be officiating the service. Graveside interment service will follow immediately after at the Duffau Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Knight, Josh Koopman, Mason Warren, Don Davis, Larry Evans and Butch Haggerton. Honorary pallbearer will be Ron Rohan.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hico Nursing and Rehabilitation and Wings over Texas Hospice for their special care for Shirley during these last few weeks.