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Elim Says Good-Bye to Long Term Staff Member

Jul 02, 2008

On Saturday May 24th, I along with other members of Elim staff had the pleasure of attending Evelyn Jackson’s Homegoing Service at Sweet Holy Spirit Church in Chicago. The title “Homegoing Service” was one of the first things that caught my eye. The officiating pastor, Bishop Larry D. Trotter, informed the family and guests that the purpose of the service was to celebrate Evelyn’s life and her Homegoing. During the service I couldn’t help but think of Evelyn meeting Jesus face to face and clinging to the arms of her father in Heaven. I worked with Evelyn at Elim for 19 years; what a blessing to whiteness this services and celebrate Evelyn’s Homegoing.

I met Evelyn in August of 1989 when she was hired to be my classroom assistant in the intermediate pod. I enjoyed working directly with Evelyn in the classroom. She had a cheerful demeanor, a wonderful sense of humor, and most importantly a love for the students. Evelyn’s love for students was evident in the way she treated them. She had a wonderful way of talking to students and helping them to feel good about themselves. She also had expectations for students and was willing to let them know when they were getting out of line. Evelyn truly desired to help our students reach their God-given potential.

Those of us who knew Evelyn will remember her as a dedicated worker. She worked long hours for many years; getting up early to drive the bus, and returning the bus to the garage late into the evening. Any of you who drove an Elim bus knows that it can be a stressful job, but Evelyn drove for all 19 years of her employment, and I don’t recall her ever having an accident. That’s a lot of miles and a lot of kids and adults transported safely for a lot of years. I was always confident that the students and clients were safe and well cared for when Evelyn was behind the wheel. What a blessing for Elim and for the students and clients served.

Although we rejoice with Evelyn’s friends and family in her Homegoing we will also miss her. We will miss her smile, her laugh, her jokes, and yes even her sarcasm. Please continue to pray for Evelyn’s family and friends and especially her son Dante, her daughter Breanna, and her husband David.