Evelyn Willingham, 79, loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother (Nana), passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at Providence hospital with her family by her side. A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13th, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Drive, Waco, TX, 76712. The service will be officiated by Dr. Cary Killough.

Evelyn was born August 12, 1946, to Johnnie Richter and Millie Jurek Richter in Flatonia, Texas. Evelyn married Nealand Willingham on November 27, 1972, in Waco, Texas. After marriage, they moved from Austin, Texas, to Adana, Turkey, then to Midwest City, Oklahoma due to Nealand’s military service. Evelyn and Nealand returned to Waco in 1977 and remained in Waco the rest of their lives. Evelyn was married to Nealand for 39 years until he proceeded her in death in 2012. She was passionate about baking and cake decorating. She was a bakery manager until her retirement.

Evelyn was proceeded in death by her parents; devoted husband, Nealand; brothers William and Edward Richter; and sister Anita Overstreet.

Evelyn is survived by her three children Darrell Willingham and wife Maureen of League City, Michelle Mansky and husband Paul of Austin, and Nealand Willingham II and wife Stacey of Waco; seven grandchildren, Cydnee Willingham, Jordan Willingham, Peyton Willingham, Alice Symank, Jake Willingham, Parker Mansky, and Riley Mansky; brothers Joe and Butch Richter; and sister, Debbie French.

‘Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near.’