FOUKE — On February 23, 2020 Evelyn Lucille Tallent (nee Wayson)

passed away peacefully at age 81 surrounded by her husband of 63 years, Robert (Bob) Tallent and their children.

Evelyn mothered six children, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. However, many nieces, nephews, and friends considered Evelyn their surrogate mother.

Evelyn began her life in Dover, Ky. (Nov. 10, 1938). Following her marriage (Dec. 29, 1956), Evelyn was Bob’s rock — accompanying him to Germany and Saudi Arabia and many states throughout his career as an engineer before settling in Fouke, Ark., in 1996. Evelyn shepherded her family (plus countless cats and dogs) to new homes without question or concern. Later in life, after ushering her first four children into adulthood, she welcomed Carol Ann and Jonathan into her home, giving them a much-needed family. Evelyn’s open arms also provided a home to her mother and two brothers when needed.

Evelyn was an exceptional woman, wife and mother; a wonderful example of love to everyone she touched. She cared deeply for her family, friends and church. She was an active member of Central Christian Church, Texarkana, Texas, and the Miller County Extension Homemaker Club.

Evelyn is predeceased by her mother, Juanita Wayson (nee Clark); father, William Wayson; brothers, Robert, Charles (Pete) and Ray Wayson; and sister, Edna Raper Dodson. Evelyn is survived by her husband, daughter, and sons, Rev Terry Tallent (Arkansas), Robert Jr. Tallent (Arkansas), Jenny Tallent and husband Bo, Nita Gay Tallent (Wyoming), Carol Ann Tallent (Arkansas), and Jonathan Tallent (North Carolina), their many children, and her brothers William and Paul Wayson.

A luncheon will be held on March 7, 2020 at 12 noon at Central Christian Church, 903 Walnut St., Texarkana, Texas, immediately preceding service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of Texarkana-Hospice of Hope.