Evelyn P. Atherton

February 4, 1925 - February 24, 2022

Evelyn Perry Walters Atherton Above all Evelyn was dedicated to her faith in God and the teaching of The Church of Christ. As God is the founder of the church, Evelyn was a pillar. Her and Gene along with several others built the building for the Palm Harbor Church of Christ. Through tragic death, pain, suffering and sorrow she never lost her faith. She was an exemplar role model for a lady of the teaching of The Church of Christ. Evelyn was born in Tullahoma, Tennessee on February 4th, 1925 to Vivian Lynn Hembree Perry and Clifford Samuel Perry. She moved to Dunedin, Florida at the age of 12 with her parents and brother, Dewey (Sonny). Her father was looking for work and there was an opportunity at the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin. Plus, her brother’s health was not too good and the doctor suggested they move South where the weather was warmer. It was during the Great Depression and job stability was scarce. The Fenway could not provide fulltime work so Evelyn’s father took on other jobs as well. Evelyn told of times so lean her father padded his shoes with cardboard because he could not afford new shoes. Evelyn was attending Clearwater High School when she met Coyt Eugene Walters. She graduated from Tarpon Springs High after marrying Eugene (Gene) in 1942. In 1952 Eugene (Gene) and Evelyn built their home in Palm Harbor where she resided until her death. Unfortunate, Gene, died on May 10th, 1968 from a tragic fall. Later, Evelyn wed Norman G Atherton to whom she was married to for 53 Yrs. to her death. Evelyn and Norman enjoyed camping in the mountains of the East United States. They even took a successful swing at square dancing. With great dedication, in their later years they took complete care of her elderly parents. Evelyn had two wonderful sons, Rodney Eugene and Donny Eddie Walters which her and Gene raised in their home in Palm Harbor. Tragically, Eddie died in a motorcycle accident in 1974 at a very young age. Rodney married Nell Plumley and they had a daughter, Kandis Walters Fernandez. Evelyn had two amazing great-grandchildren Samantha Lynn Fagan, and Michael Eugene Dunn that were fortunate to get to spend many quality years with her. By Evelyn’s son’s marriage she had two additional grand-daughters, Opal Boe and Charity Maze with 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Evelyn’s main career was raising her two sons and being a supportive wife. She played an intricate part in raising Kandis. However, she did venture out into the business world on several occasions. First at the City Bank of Dunedin as a bank teller. Next, she became a pink lady volunteer at Dunedin hospital. Lastly, she became the switchboard and receptionist at the city of Tarpon Springs where she was recognizes many times for her outstanding service. Evelyn was exceptional talented and expressed her talent well in her painting hobby. Her other personal hobbies included sewing, collection receipts and gardening. Wherever she traveled she enjoyed collecting river rocks and fallen leaves which she displayed in her home. Most of all, Evelyn loved animals and had a collection of very loved cats and dogs throughout her life. Evelyn had many cherished friends and extended family that she left behind. She would want you to know you are truly loved. Preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Lynn Perry, her father Samuel Clifford Perry, her brother Dewey Perry, and Son Donny Eddie Walters. The funeral service will be held on 2/19/22 at 10:00am Palm Harbor Church of Christ 1000 16th street, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 A gathering of family and friends will proceed in the fellowship hall followed by the committal at Curlew Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in Evelyn Atherton’s honor to: Palm Harbor Church of Christ or Beacon St. Ministries, Feed the Homeless