Evelyn Fay Austin

Evelyn Fay Sims Austin was born on January 31, 1926, to Thomas Homer Sims and Maude Mae Cootes, in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Mesquite High School in 1944 where she met Edwin Eugene Austin. They were married on June 11, 1946 in the home of her Aunt Lillie and Uncle Harold Thompson in Dallas, Texas. Her aunt and uncle moved furniture from their dining and living rooms for the ceremony and reception.

Evelyn passed away on March 5, 2021, at the age of 95 from natural causes at College Park Rehab in Weatherford, Texas. Previously, Mrs. Austin resided at Waterview Independent Living Center in Granbury, Texas, and lived many years in Mesquite, Texas, from 1956-2017.

Evelyn is survived by daughters: Annette Cheryl Austin (Jerry) Long and Denise Kay Austin- Tacke; four grandsons: Brian Cheek (Casey); Jason Cheek (Nicole); Jeremy Moon; Christopher Moon and fiancé, Lauren Rosson; two great granddaughters: Carleigh Cheek and Olivia Cheek. She is also survived by siblings: Thomas Sims and Thelma Sims Green; brother-in-law: Jack Austin; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family.

A special thank you to the Dick and Ysonde Singleton family of Mesquite, Texas, for all the fun years growing up across the street from them. Evelyn and Ysonde were definitely as we now say “best friends forever.” 

We appreciate the love and care that our mother received from her friends at Waterview in Granbury, Texas and her painting classes both there and in Mesquite.

Evelyn worked at Sanger Bros, in downtown Dallas in her early years. She was a homemaker, keeping up with two daughters in dance classes and band practices. Later, she assisted her husband at Austin’s Grocery, near Mesquite High School and was a secretary and bookkeeper.

She was a member of First Christian Church in Mesquite, Texas.

Evelyn was a Girl Scout Leader to Denise’s troop 1011 and a devoted helper with Annette’s troop 894.

We offer special thanks to cousin Laura Austin Gonnell and husband Tony for their love and care over the many years. Also, special thanks to College Park Rehab Facility, Weatherford, Texas, and Envoy Hospice Care.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 8, at Galbreath Pickard Funeral Home, in Weatherford. Evelyn will be laid to rest Tuesday, March 9, at Mesquite City Cemetery, with a viewing at 2:00 p.m., and a service following with Rev. Darla Allen officiating. Please be mindful of others attending that are at extra risk due to the current health crisis. Masks are encouraged.