Evelyn C. Anderson

Evelyn Carol Anderson was born on June 10, 1937 in Texarkana, Texas. She was the first of five children, born to her parents Ida Mae Perkins and James E. Muckelroy. With so many children, there was always lots of excitement, fun and laughter in the Muckelroy household. In 1942 Evelyn’s father James decided to relocate his family to Portland, Oregon.

Evelyn was educated in the Portland Public Schools. She graduated from Washington High School, where she studied business and home economics. One afternoon, Evelyn decided to walk home through the all-boys Benson High School.  W.R. and his friend Lloyd Allen were playing baseball. That is the day Evelyn first crossed paths with William Rayburn Anderson (W.R.).  Lloyd already knew Evelyn, and he introduced the two.  The baseball game quickly ended, with W.R. offering to carry Evelyn’s books home. Immediately, the two became inseparable.  After graduating high school, the two were temporarily separated. Evelyn left Portland to attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee while W.R. was serving in the U.S. Airforce.  Reuniting as often as they could during military leaves and school vacations was simply not enough to satisfy their love. In January 1957, the two were married.

Evelyn and W.R. returned to Portland, where they began to build their young married life.  The completion of their love story was raising their son Steven.  As a loving, young wife and mother, Evelyn aspired to have only the best for her family.  To help achieve her goals, Evelyn decided to use her business educational background and enter the workforce.  For 20 years, Evelyn worked for the Federal Reserve and Oregon Bank.

Evelyn’s life suddenly changed in 1974.  She and W.R. were given the special blessing of a daughter! Two year old Carmen Trineece Muckleroy Anderson joined their loving home.  This was a joyous shift in Evelyn’s lifestyle.  So that she could fully devote her time and energy to this bundle of joy, Evelyn decided to permanently leave the work force and become a stay at home mom. Through the years, her bright light and unending love for family was increased by the addition of her grandchildren.

Evelyn had a distinctly unique laugh and an inviting smile that always made you feel welcome. Entertaining was truly one of her gifts! She loved being a hostess and was an excellent cook.  It didn’t take a special occasion for her house to be full of good food and good times.  Socializing with family and friends, playing card games (especially ladies poker night), being a member of the Red Hat Society and travel were among Evelyn’s favorite pastimes.  She had an intense interest in watching sports on television (especially tennis) and occasionally going to Trailblazer games at the Rose Garden. In 1984, the Oregon Lotto started and so did Evelyn’s scratch-off career!  She also enjoyed going to Spirit Mountain Casino as well as casinos throughout California and Nevada to play slot machines. Whether at home or at play, Evelyn lived the life of a WINNER!

Evelyn is welcomed to her heavenly home by her parents, James and Ida Muckelroy, sisters Eunice Pendleton, Gayle Muckelroy and Pamela Cunningham, brother James Everette Muckelroy and daughter Carmen Trineece Anderson. Left to cherish Evelyn’s memory are her husband William (W.R.) Anderson, son Steven Anderson, grandchildren Shalamar, Daric and Mae-Gayle Anderson, great-grandson Caleb Mendoza Anderson, brothers in law Elbert (Al) Rosser and Al Pendleton, niece Tracie Rosser-Green (Kevin), nephews Marcus and Damon Cunningham along with a host of other relatives, family members and friends.