Evelyn Louise Thackston

Evelyn Louise Thackston, affectionately known as "Tootsie" by some of her nieces and nephews, left this world on Aug. 5, 2026 at the age of 82, surrounded by loved ones.

Evelyn was a beloved sister, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, cousin, friend, and second mother to many. She was a true Christian woman and servant of God. When people think of Evelyn, they remember her compassion, beautiful smile, love of family, her Lord and Savior, and music.

She was born at her parents' home in Sugar Tree Ridge on July 27, 1944, to the late Anderson W. and Ella H. (Walker) Thackston. Evelyn was the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death by her three brothers and two of her sisters in law, Dewey A. Thackston and his wife, Barbara Lee; Ronald L. Thackston and his wife, Ann; and Lloyd Allen Thackston.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Jean (Wally) Rendel, along with many other loving family members and friends.

At a young age, Evelyn was baptized into Christ at the Sugar Tree Ridge Church of Christ. Prior to her passing, she was the oldest living member of that church. She served her church faithfully in many ways, including as pianist, organist, choir director, member of the Sugar Tree Ridge Ladies' Aid/Willing Workers, S.T.A.R.S. Youth Group leader, Vacation Bible School music director, and Easter and Christmas cantata director.

Evelyn never married and did not have children of her own, but she was a second mother to many throughout the years. She lived a life of service-not only to her Lord and church, but also to her family, friends, coworkers, and community members. When tragedy struck people in her community, Evelyn was one of the first to pray, provide food, and offer comfort. (By the way, her homemade noodles were just one of her specialties!!!)

The Thackston family was known for being close-knit, as well as "Thackston-strong." The family experienced its share of tragedies, and Evelyn was always there to help pick up the pieces. When times were difficult, she helped raise several of her nieces and nephews. She made sure they attended church, covered them in prayer, and was there as a second mother for them.

As her parents grew older, Evelyn remained by their side every day, especially after her mother passed away. She took both her brother and father into her home and cared for them until she was no longer able to do so.

Evelyn was a proud graduate of the Whiteoak High School class of 1962 in Mowrystown. After high school, she attended Cincinnati Bible College for a brief time. She soon realized that her heart was back home in Sugar Tree Ridge, alongside the family and church she loved.

During her working life, Evelyn was employed by Robertshaw in Hillsboro, Bundy Tubing in Sabina, as a private medical transcriptionist, she transcribed for many doctors in the Cincinnati area and she was also employed by Highland District Hospital in Hillsboro as a medical transcriptionist. In addition to these jobs, she worked some evenings and weekends alongside her close friend, Tim Roberts, at his flower shop in Hillsboro.

Evelyn was a survivor herself. At the age of 5, she was diagnosed with nephritis and was bedridden for six months. Soon after, she suffered from rheumatic fever and was once again bedridden. Family and friends did not believe she would survive. Not only did she survive, but she went on to live a full life serving others.

In 2009, tragedy struck again when Evelyn nearly lost her life. By the grace of God and the persistence of her brother Ron, Evelyn fought her way back and continued to serve the Lord, even from a wheelchair in the nursing home. During visits, she could often be found helping other residents as well as staff; praying for them, telling them she loved them, playing the piano, and witnessing to them through her kind and compassionate ways.

Even after 2 strokes, multiple surgeries, and related health challenges, her love of family, music, and God continued to shine brightly. She never gave up! She kept that "Thackston-strong" attitude. She never failed to tell others about Jesus, speak about her family, or say "I love you" when she was with you.

Her family was blessed to celebrate her with a surprise birthday party on the Saturday before her passing. One of the last things Evelyn said was, "I am happy, very happy!"

There was nothing Evelyn loved more than serving Jesus and loving her family and friends. Her loved ones are certain that when she entered Heaven, her Heavenly Father wrapped His loving arms around herEvelyn Thackston pic.JPEG and said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Visitation will be 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Sugar Tree Ridge Church of Christ, with the funeral service following. The Rev. Wally Rendel, Danny Dodds and Drue Lane will officiate the ceremony.

Burial will be in Sugar Tree Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to either the Sugar Tree Ridge Church of Christ or Scatter Joy Ministries of Lexington, Ky.

To sign Evelyn"s online guest book, visit www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com., or to leave a like, comment or share, visit the Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Care Facebook page.