Hilda Evonne Richardson

Hilda Evonne Richardson, 94, passed away on September 3, 2023, in Commerce, TX. She was born a twin to Rev. E.W. "Buck" Verner and Jewel Quinn Verner.  She married Lyndle B. Richardson in 1951, later divorced.  

Mom was born, raised and passed here in Commerce.  She was a force to be reckoned with in her home town.  She attended schools in Commerce from grade school through college, graduating from East Texas State Teachers College, now known as Texas A & M University at Commerce.  She as active in the alumni association for many years and attended many football, basketball and  volleyball games.  She was awarded the TAMU Gold Blazer for her alumni activities in 2007 and we were so very proud of her.

After graduating with a teaching degree, she taught PE for many schools in Texas and New Mexico.  When she retired from teaching, she returned to Commerce to care for her mom and the rest of the family. Over the years she sponsored cheerleading teams, golf teams and drill teams.

She was an avid reader, Cowboy's fan and most creative person we knew.  Her daughters and grandchildren can regale you with stories of rickrack, sequins, painted jeans and shirts all hand made by Mom.  She loved being able to decorate downtown Commerce and the gazebo for the holidays, especially Christmas.  And Homecoming floats were a favorite.

Evonne always spoke her mind, and many of us benefited from her efforts to change inequities into something positive and forward thinking.

Evonne is survived by her daughters: Cece (Louis) Mitchell of Salt Lake City, Utah; Vicki (James) Arnold of La Mesa, New Mexico and Vonda (Wendell) Grider of Commerce; twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by her parents, brother Harold Verner, sister Lavonne Wells and former husband, Lyndle.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Please share your memories online at www. jones-walkerandson.com