Permelia Evelyn Horton-Stone

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Permelia Evelyn Cox Horton-Stone, 100, of Harker Heights, passed away on Saturday, July 6. Services will be on Saturday, July 13, at 10am. Visitation will take place one hour before. Both will be held at Dossman Funeral Home.

Evelyn was born on January 24, 1924, in Groesbeck, Tx., to James B. Cox and Mattie G. Prather.

Her youth was spent in the farming country of East Texas. This environment created in her independence, common sense, strength, reliance on family, and the spirit of helping others. These qualities shined brightly throughout Evelyn’s one hundred plus years on this earth.

Her generation suffered through the Great Depression, set education aside to support the war efforts in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and during the War were subjected to rationing of necessities such as sugar, fuel, shoes, and tires. Coming out of the 40’s, they built their homes, established their families, and helped to make this nation’s light shine throughout the world. Although she did not serve in the military, she and hundreds of thousands of others contributed to our success as a country in countless ways.

Evelyn dedicated her life to the most important job that one can endeavor, that of being a mother. She was mother, not only to her biological children, but was known as “second mom” to many who needed her love, touch, generosity, and instruction…. such gentle and yet firm instruction …. about leading a healthy, productive life.

She, along with her ex-husband and her son, Mike, were responsible for pioneering rural water systems in Bell County, bringing water to farms and ranches that utilized only well water which at times was unreliable. Her roles included billing, collecting, gathering easements, and helping the various districts to establish governing boards. She successfully owned and managed Big Oaks Trailer Park for many years and was one of the first registered voters when the city of Harker Heights was established by her uncle, P. R. Cox, and the Kern families. For 20 years, she served as one of the secretaries at Ellison High School in Killeen. In her retirement years, she devoted herself to her family and her home, creating beauty inside and outside in her daily endeavors.

Evelyn was not a “joiner”, being a bit shy by nature. However, she never met a stranger, was kind to all, and generous to a fault with her time, her love, and her resources. Until COVID came along, she enjoyed being a member of the Belton Church of Christ, maintaining years of lasting friendships there.

The best way to encapsulate Evelyn in a few words: She taught us about the personhood of God who is Love and gives Grace. She now enjoys the company of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ, and those who have eagerly awaited her arrival to her true home. We would not bring her back for one more minute in this world. However, we will miss her light and love until we meet again.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Mattie Cox; her husband Bobby B. Stone; one brother J.B. Cox; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Cox; mother-in-law, Rosa Horton; and brother-in law and sister-in-law, Clifford and Retha Horton.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Mike Horton and wife Faye, of Mound, TX.; daughter, Pamela Horton of Georgetown, TX.; granddaughter, Jill Tate, husband, Fred and great grandson Sawyer, of Colleyville, TX.; step children, Kim Varvel and husband, Jeff and Kathy Winans and husband, Dempsey all of Conroe, TX.; and step grandchildren, Sean Bailey and wife Sarah and Scott Bailey and wife Lynette, all of Tomball, TX. and Collin Bailey of Conroe, TX.; three nieces and their families plus many friends who became family.

The family would like to express their sincerest thanks and gratitude to the professionals who helped us care for her during these last weeks. Amedisys Hospice and Right at Home private care were so kind, responsive, professional, and loving. You helped to make her last days more pleasant. Your service is obviously a calling.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Belton Church of Christ/Camp Koinonea Fund.