Celia Rose Irwin Evans was born in Portland, Oregon on April 15th, 1941. She was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 20, 2024 following a hip fracture. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Billie Irwin; baby daughter, Charlotte Emily Evans; grandson, Nicholas Charles Locarro; and her beloved husband of 58 years, Charles Mack Evans. She is survived by daughters, Anne and Sarah; sons-in-law, Kevin Locarro and Damon Clinkscales; and her cherished grandchildren, Luke, Maia and Evan. Celia grew up in Shawnee, Oklahoma and later attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and met Charles, the love of her life. For many years, Celia served as a much loved Early Childhood Educator in the states of Oklahoma, New York and Indiana, where she received her M.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. In the latter part of her teaching career, she shifted her dedication to students at the collegiate level, becoming an Assistant Professor at Eastern Illinois University where she taught Early Childhood Education, including courses in Child Development, Curriculum and Material Development, and Special Education, as well as serving as a Practicum Supervisor. Upon retirement, Celia and Charles returned to Tulsa where Celia was active in her Homeowners Association, enjoyed volunteer work at St. Francis Hospital, and as a member of the Assistance League of Tulsa. Celia was a long time member of Trinity Episcopal Church and an avid volunteer for the Iron Gate feeding program at Trinity. Celia's legacy will forever be imprinted on the hearts and minds of those she touched. Her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, unwavering integrity, and devotion to her family will be cherished forever.
Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 2PM on Saturday, July 27, 2024 followed by a reception in the church parish hall. It was Celia's wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Assistance League or Trinity Episcopal Church.
