Evelyn Farris Hellier

Evelyn Marie Farris Hellier, 95, passed away Friday, November 15, 2024 in Ft. Worth. Visitation is from 2 - 4 pm, Saturday, November 23 at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Her Celebration of Life continues at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill, 400 E. Abram St. at 4:30 pm. Private interment is at Parkdale Cemetery on Sunday.

 Evelyn was born in Ottawa, Kansas to Earl and Ruth Farris. She was born during the Great Depression, and grew up on the family farm across the road from her cousins, Milton and Jerry Farris. The three of them grew up together and remained close throughout their lives.

 Evelyn was independent from a young age, and always wanted to live an adventurous life. She left Ottawa for Emporia State University in Wichita, Kansas, graduating as a research librarian. While working in Wichita she volunteered for the USO as a hostess where she met her soulmate. Tom Hellier was stationed there while in the Air Force during the Korean conflict. He said he knew when he saw her across the room that he would marry her. He waited until their third date to propose, so as not to scare her off. They were married for over 61 years until his passing in 2013.

 During their long and happy marriage, they lived in Florida and Texas. Evelyn supported him while he completed his education, a BS, MS, and PhD in biology. The first of their children, Clark, was born just before he completed his doctorate. They moved to Arlington, Texas, when Tom began teaching at UT Arlington. Lisa arrived a few months later, and Jana was born two years after that.

 Evelyn volunteered with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in support of her children, and also founded the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Bookstore with her dear friend, Keith Allen. They were the only carriers of James Avery jewelry in North Texas in the 1960s, and the small bookstore was a huge success. People came from all over to shop at this store. She eventually began working at the Dallas Trade Mart to help retailers stock their gift shops.

 Evelyn was also a long-time volunteer with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals for over 40 years. She was involved with the UTA Faculty Women’s Club, the Friends of the Library, and many other campus organizations.

 In addition to her outside interests, Evelyn created a happy home for her three children. Their friends were always welcome, and loved to come eat the cookies she baked. She was a prolific knitter, reader, gardener, Texas Ranger fan and never missed a Cowboy game. Her yard was always in bloom.

 As a family most of her vacations were to visit relatives, and she remained close to her parents, cousins, and in-laws. Once her nest was empty, she and Tom began the adventures she had always hoped for. They traveled to all 7 continents, almost 90 countries, and also to almost every state in the U.S. She absolutely loved traveling and learning about the many cultures around our planet. Evelyn looked for connections with the people she met around the world, staying pen pals with many of them. She believed we all have more in common with each other than differences.

 Evelyn was extremely proud of her three children, all of whom are married with families of their own. Her four grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she was thrilled she got to see them all grown up and happy in their chosen paths.

 Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, her cousins, and her precious Tom. She is survived by her son Clark and wife Beth, her daughter Lisa and husband Richard, and her daughter Jana and husband Tom. She is also survived by her grandson Kyle and wife Elise, her granddaughter Miranda and husband Ian, her grandson Colin and wife Jacklyn, and her granddaughter Caroline and partner Jeffrey. 

 Evelyn was a kind and gracious woman who never met a stranger, and she will be dearly missed by those who loved her. She lived independently in the home she created. Her family is grateful she is now reunited with Tom, the love of her life.

 If desired the family requests donations to the Dr. Thomas R. Jr. and Mrs. Evelyn F. Hellier Biology Scholarship Fund at the University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19047, Arlington, TX 76019.