Evelyn Vaden Pace

Evelyn Vaden Pace finished her earthly race and entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at home with her daughter by her bedside. Evelyn will be greatly missed by family and friends. She was born to Van and Oma Vaden in Baylor County, Texas on her mother’s birthday, July 8, 1919. 

Evelyn experienced salvation at a very early age and from that time, she realized a special calling on her life from God. She attended Seymour Schools, and after graduation, Evelyn was employed as a secretary. Later, she moved to Fort Worth, Texas where she enrolled in Shield of Faith Bible College which later merged with two other colleges and became Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She received a bachelor’s degree in religious education and taught at her alma mater for fifteen years. Evelyn continued her education at Texas Wesleyan University, Texas Christian University, and East Texas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education and additional post graduate hours. She was certified to teach all levels of public school and college. In addition to her work in education, she was ordained as a minister and certified as a counselor and associate psychologist. She was also a member of many professional organizations including the Texas Retired Teachers Association. 

For many years, in the summer months, she would travel as an evangelist, preaching, singing, and conducting children’s crusades. Evelyn resigned from Southwestern in 1956 to accept the position of Counselor and Director of Guidance for Ellis County Schools where she worked for 17 years. After that, she was a counselor for Midlothian ISD and finished her teaching career in Ennis teaching 5th grade at Travis Elementary. In 1985 after her retirement, she helped establish Sonshine Day Care at University Church. Shortly thereafter, Evelyn became employed by Waxahachie Funeral Home where she served for several years.

Evelyn was a charter member of University Assemblies of God Church in Waxahachie. She taught Sunday School classes, was Sunday School Superintendent, and chaired many committees 

In August of 1953, Evelyn married the love of her life, Charlie E. Pace. Several years later, she and Charlie were blessed with a lovely daughter, Janis Gail Pace. Evelyn was a loving wife for fifty-five years and a devoted mother until the end. During her life, she endeared herself to many friends and students. Her life’s ministry was to love and help people.

Survivors include her daughter, Janis Gail Pace, nephews- Edward Earl Vaden, Jimmy Vaden (Barbara), Terry Schumacher (Linda), nieces- Neva Elliott, Nancy Davis, and Wanda Norwood as well as many great nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her sister-in-love, Joy Purcella (Joe) and her beloved Pace family. 

Evelyn was preceded in death by her cherished husband-Charlie E. Pace, her parents-Van and Oma Vaden, brothers- Edward and his wife Ida Mae, Melvin, and J. C. Vaden. She is also preceded by sisters- Floy Rose and her husband Olan, Mamie Vaden, Jessie Mae Thorn and her husband Joe, and Grace Schumacher and her husband Carl as well as many other cherished family members.

A visitation will be held at Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie on Friday, July 5th from 6-8 pm. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 6th at 2:00 pm at University Assembly of God Church in Waxahachie. Interment will follow at the Waxahachie City Cemetery.

The Pace family would like to extend our gratitude to Bristol Hospice for the loving care and attentiveness toward Evelyn for the last 3 years. Special thanks to Catrina, Connie, Mary, and Nancy. Also, much appreciation goes to Monique Hawkins and Tempie Singleton for the many hours they lovingly cared for our loved one.