Evelyn Zimmerman

In the provenance of God, Evelyn Pattengill Zimmerman, a lifetime resident of Cape Girardeau, was surrounded by family when she entered her eternal home Friday, Dec. 17, 2021.

She was born in Cape Girardeau Oct. 26, 1930, to Nellie Pray and W.C. Pattengill.

The family relocated to Benton, Missouri, where she attended Benton Grade School and Benton High School. During her senior year of high school, she was the captain of the Benton High School basketball team because of her athletic ability and leadership skills. After high school, she attended Southeast Missouri State University.

While working as a waitress at the Southern Cafe on Morgan Oak Street in Cape Girardeau, her sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Loren Hopper, met her husband. She and Jim Zimmerman married in Pigott, Arkansas, on Dec. 23, 1951. Jim Zimmerman died Sept. 13, 1998.

Evelyn retired from Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator in 1982. She spent her retirement traveling and volunteering at Lynwood Baptist Church, Daughters of American Revolution and AT&T Pioneers.

Surviving Evelyn is her daughter, Alice Zimmerman (Gene) Seale; grandson, Johnny (Carley) Seale; and great-grandchildren, John Beck Seale and Earnest Seale. Her son, Parker (Jonalyn) Zimmerman, and grandson, Ryan (Amy) Zimmerman; and great-grandson, Parker Zimmerman; and many nieces and nephews also survive her.

She leaves behind a sister-in-law, Nola Pattengill, living in Branson, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by five sisters and six brothers.

Evelyn had a gift of hospitality in entertaining family and friends in her home for a meal. She was always ready to give a hand-up to anyone who needed it.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Southeast Hospice or the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the loving care from Marjorie Conway, Jill Essner, Tammy Bening, Maranda Mills, Deb Schwartz, Lisa Hawkins and Gail Lichtenegger, as well as the many friends who loved and cared for her.

A reception will be held at a later date.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.