Evelyn Thomas Presson, age 96, of Charleston, MO, died Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Hunter Acres Nursing Center in Sikeston, MO.

Born February 23, 1928, at Graves County, KY, the youngest of nine children to the late Stanley B. Thomas and Ruthie Lee Thomas, she had lived in Mississippi County and Charleston, most of her life.  A member of the First Church of God in East Prairie for over 70 years, she was a longtime volunteer at the Charleston Nutrition Center.  Evelyn was no stranger to hard work.  Employed at the Brown Shoe Company for over 45 years, she was the first female floor supervisor and filled many capacities there during those years.   She was an avid gardener, loved working with flowers and baking.   She was most helpful and willing to share her extensive skills as a seamstress.

On November 3, 1945, she married Robert Spencer Presson, who preceded her in death July 3, 2015.

Surviving is her son and daughter in law, James Robert and Marian Presson of Charleston; her grandsons, James Jeffery (Elaine) Presson and James Robert (Amy) Presson Jr.; four great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.  Also, a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, Pvt. Lendo Thomas, Avil Cleo Thomas Burgess, Ira James Thomas, Myrtle Thomas Aday, Daisy Irene Thomas-Thomas, Elizabeth Thomas Peterson, Imogene Thomas Burney and Marion Millard Thomas.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time for memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2024, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.  Dawn Walters will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

In lieu of flowers plants and gift items, the family requests memorials be made to Cape Care for Women, American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children Research Hospital or the Charleston Lions Club.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.