EVELYN MCBRIDE HAMMER TEARNAN

1920-2017

Evelyn McBride Hammer Tearnan went home to our Lord after 96 magnificent years. She passed away in Dallas, Texas on Friday, January 13, where she had lived for the past 22 years.

She was the youngest of four children, born to William A. Hammer and Anna Mary Crea Hammer in Decatur, Illinois. She received her bachelors degree in pre-school education from Butler University in Indiana. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

She was married in May, 1946, to the love of her life, Clyde Hoesley Tearnan. They had 35 wonderful years together, living in Southern California and Houston, Texas. Later in life, she had a devoted companion for 17 years, Dr. Ryan Seals.

Evelyn spent her life enriching the lives of children. When not teaching her own 5 children, she was out in the community doing wonderful work as a teacher and Director of Mini Skool, and later in her career, as Director for the Day Care at Spring Branch Pres Church in Houston. Many people remember her as “Mother Goose”. She would dress in costume, sometimes with a live goose, and go to different Day Care Centers and local malls to read to children. More than once she rode in the Houston Downtown Parade.

She was a charter member of the West Harris County branch of the American Association of University Women in Houston, Texas. She was a lifelong Presbyterian. Her last churches of worship were Memorial Drive Pres Church in Houston and Park Cities Pres Church in Dallas.

Evelyn loved people; she loved children; she loved animals; she loved hats; she loved to laugh; she loved jazz; she loved to dance; but most of all, she loved her family. She will be remembered by her family as a totally loving and giving Mother, Motherin-law, and grandmother.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband, Clyde, and companion, Ryan. She is survived by her 5 children: Clint Tearnan and wife, Gaye of Baltimore; Lynn Tearnan Smith and husband, Stanley of Galveston; Dr. Blake Tearnan and wife, Olivia of Reno, NV; Lance Tearnan and wife, Giulia of Baltimore; Sara Tearnan Bould and husband, Stanley of Dallas; 13 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.

A private family service will be held Friday, January 27, 2017 in Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Children’s Ministry, 4124 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX 75219.

Evelyn is now dancing with the Angels.