Evelyn Alice Johnson Colvin

Our dear mother, Evelyn Alice Johnson Colvin, passed away on Monday, September 22, after a short illness. She lived in Downey for 62 years and dearly loved the city, enjoying its parks (especially the summer concert season at Furman Park), the Travel Series, and the Downey Theater. She was also a member of Oasis and loved their programs and trips, which complemented her own wide travels throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Evelyn, affectionately known as Evy, was born July 14, 1919 in Miltonvale, Cloud County, Kansas. She was the second daughter of Albert E. Johnson and Ruth Avonia Woodruff Johnson. The Johnson family moved to Riverside, California when Evy was one year old. She resided there until she was 14 years old, moving to Los Angeles to be with her mother after her parents divorced. Evy graduated from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, in 1937. The following year she married Robert (Bob) Colvin, the brother of her best friend in high school, Virginia Colvin. They were married 63 years when Bob passed away in 2001.

Evy was an avid gardener, spending time everyday nurturing her garden. Her yard abounded in a rich array of colorful plants and trees and she won the Best Garden Award from the city of Downey in 1998, an award she richly deserved, and took great pride in. She was active in the Downey schools' PTA when her children were growing up, serving as PTA President of Earl Warren High School, and President of the Downey PTA of the 33rd District, California Congress of PTA 1968 through 1972. She continued volunteering her expertise with the Downey PTA Council long after her children were grown.

She was an excellent cook and homemaker. She instilled in her family the message that the love of family means everything. When asked, several years ago what she considered her greatest accomplishment, she quickly replied, "My children." She took great pride in her family and loved each of us passionately.

Evy is survived by her 3 children, Carol Evans, Pam Coon (Warren), and Robert Colvin (Anne), six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 2 brothers and a sister, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. We will all miss her greatly. To honor Evy's memory, a donation to Roze Room Hospice of Downey, 4510 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 320, Long Beach, 90804, would be appreciated.

**********

Published: Oct. 2, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 25