1934-2024
Evelyn Ann Cater Truman, 90, better known to some as Irish Maid’s “Flo” and to others simply as Grandma, gained her wings on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, and made it to the pearly gates. She was a lady who truly embodied the essence of Irish Maid Donuts: warm, comforting, and as familiar as the delicious pastries that greet its customers. She began her career at Irish Maid sometime around 1969 when she accepted employment by what would become one of her lifelong friends and closest confidant, James Claghorn Jr., the founder of Irish Maid Donuts. It was during this same period of time, Evelyn met her lifelong partner-in-crime and best friend, Virgie Coleman. She continued to work after Jim retired when her daughter and son-in-law Sheryl and Steve Grinstead purchased the business. Working 7 days a week for most of her life, not to have things for herself but to be able to give and help others.
She was a confidante, mentor, and second mother and grandmother to so many. Her wisdom was as deep as the glaze on the donuts, and her one-liners had the power to soothe even the most jagged of days. She had an invincible spirit and often described herself as “a tough old bird.” She proved this until the end, when she was the last of her 13 siblings, vowing to be the last one standing with a smile that never waned. She did this by only 3 days as her last living sibling Bessie passed on Dec 27th.
She was born to Ottie Ray Hoover and William Dee Cater in Drew County and, in her late teens, traveled to Booneville, Arkansas, where she earned a nursing license, and then to Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. Along this journey, she met and married Emmert (Bob) Arnold Truman in 1954. This union gave her an instant family when she welcomed Bob’s children Roy, George, Betty, and Jeanie as her own. They quickly expanded the family when they had four more children between them: Sheryl, Robert, Edgar, and Harry (who died in infancy).
Evelyn grew up in rural Monticello and attended Old Union Church as a youth, where she was taught the values and virtues of what it means to be a Christian. She took these early lessons to heart as she went into the world daily and demonstrated God’s love and graciousness in her works and deeds. There are many words you could come up with to describe what a wonderful human she truly was, but the one that you would most often hear is “GIVER”. If she saw someone in need, she helped often without them even knowing. It was a philosophy she passed on with one of her favorite bits of wisdom… don’t ever let the right hand know what the left is doing. Carlotta says this is the most important lesson she ever taught her, and she lives this every day. Rarely did Evelyn tell anyone what she did for someone else.
The last few days, her children learned just a little of what she had done for others when they located her notes of her works, much of which was a shock to her children, not to her granddaughters Carlotta and Crystal; it was just what she did, she lived as an example of the type of LADY she expected them to be. She always kept notes of what she did for others, but she never used it against them, told anyone else that she did it, or asked for it to be repaid. It was just one of the many secrets she kept in her life.
She had a number of Evelynisms, one of which was, “Do not loan anything if you expect it back; just be happy you were able to do it.” She taught us that when you walk in faith, you can trust that it will work out. Her life was a balancing act, and she juggled all the roles with the finesse of a seasoned circus performer. Whether it was cleaning rooms at the city hotels, or pouring a cup of coffee and a donut, she believed in hard work and perseverance. Approaching every task with a passion that could only be described as “Flo”w.
Her iconic RED Beehive hairdo had an identity all on its own. Maintained weekly for over forty years, although her days were devoted to serving others; she reserved one morning a week for herself and headed straight for her dear friend Linda Insley’s Beauty shop, hairstylist of the donut queens (Evelyn, Sheryl, Crystal, Carlotta, and Stephanie). Tragically, since Linda passed in 2017, it has never been the same. Her family believes she likely stopped in to visit Linda on her way to the pearly gates. Taking time for a quick updo before going home to Jesus, as she would want to look her best for her New Year's Celebration.
Evelyn believed in family, especially when deaths occurred. She would take the girls with her when she went to funerals and cemeteries of family and close friends. She always reminded them not to be sad when someone dies because, instead, it's a time to be happy they are safe with Jesus. That is without question where Evelyn is today, in the arms of Jesus, pain-free and helping prepare a place for those who come after her.
Her hair was just one example of her unique flair and resilience. It would be out of her nature not to have her clip-on earrings and a big necklace that may or may not match what she is wearing, but it was what she wanted to wear. This was often to the girls' dismay as they would try to fix it; she would say I want to and wear it anyway. She was always dressed to be noticed even if it was because of the boldness.
Her three granddaughters were her favorite people. Even though she would get upset with each of them, they could do no wrong. They all claimed to be her favorite and it was always a joke of which was truly the favorite. Evelyn believed in education and provided them with opportunities that would be out of reach for most people, but for Evelyn, it was just what she had to do, and she felt it was a privilege that she never denied them.
Granddaughters: Crystal, “her favorite” or “smartass,” depending on her mood, Carlotta, “her little angel,” and Stephanie, “the baby” who passed away in 2016, are carrying on her legacy of giving. Crystal donates her skills and talents to reunite those separated by adoption and does this freely because Grandma taught her that when God gives you a gift, you use it even if they can’t pay. Carlotta followed in her grandma’s footsteps by using the business skills she learned and giving and ministering to those in need, but she never let the right hand know what the left was doing. Stephanie, at the time of her death, donated her organs to help save others' lives.
She adored her great-grandchildren Joshua Hall, Pamela Nichols, Robby Hall, Raylon Thompson, Ridge Thompson, and her namesake Avalon Batson; as they grow and mature, they are sure to hear more than a few stories about their pistol-toting great-grandma, a pillar of the community, and a woman whose warmth and kindness could light up the world of the people around her.
In addition, to the many friends and community members who are thinking about some special moment they had with her during their lifetime. She leaves behind these family members to carry on the life lessons she instilled: four sons, Bobby and his wife, Sandy Truman of White Hall; George Truman of Hiawatha, Kansas; Roy Truman of Atchison, Kansas: three daughters, Sheryl, and her husband, Steve Grinstead of Pine Bluff, Lillie Jean Bringus of Atchison, Kansas, Betty Dorsey, of Atchison, Kansas and; eighteen (18) Grandchildren; (26) Great Grandchildren; and (2) Great-Great-Grandchild, and her dog Robby.
In addition, she leaves over 1000 additional “children” her dolls. She loved Barbie and had an extensive collection that encircled 8 rooms. Although she loved her children, she often said, "They are like my kids, except they don't talk back". Her one request for her funeral was to have Barbie dolls present. An effort has been made to ensure plenty of Pink, her favorite color, and plenty of Barbie dolls at the service.
She was preceded in death by sons Harry Dee and Edgar Arnold Truman, Granddaughter Stephanie Truman, Daughter in law Pamela Dockery Truman, Grandson James Loranzy Hall III, and a few extra special people that will be waiting on her arrival home, Leonard See, James Claghorn (ready to take her out for New Years Eve), Howard Drake, and Hazel Phillips.
As the family and community celebrate the life and legacy of Evelyn, a cherished icon, she will forever be remembered as having a stubborn but free spirit that will forever remain in our hearts. She was filled with an everlasting beacon of hope, a testimony to resilience, hard work, and determination. Her smile, warm donuts, and coffee were comforting reminders that no matter the storms of life, a warm embrace and a sweet treat could make everything feel just a little bit brighter.
There is no better day that God could have chosen to call her home. New Year's was one of her favorite days. This was the one night of the year she would often tell her grandchildren to stay at home; it was her night to shine. She was always over the top in her fur coat, bright jewels, and a glass of Crown and Coke nearby.
At this year's celebration, instead of a crown and coke, she will be adorned with her crown of gold and angel wings as she celebrates her homegoing. She will be rejoicing with those who had gone before her and were there to welcome her. Their faces shone with an ethereal beauty, embodying the essence of the New Year’s Eve they had spent together. They had saved a seat at the head of the table. Together, they danced into the new year, their hearts forever bound in the warm embrace of love and remembrance. The guest of honor had arrived, and the party was just getting started.
An angel of New Year’s Eve! A title that sparkled brighter than the midnight fireworks that painted the sky. She had lived a vibrant life; her spirit was a symphony of confetti and champagne bubbles, forever frozen in the excitement of that magical night. As she ascended to the celestial realm, she was filled with joyous wonder at the thought of continuing her reign in heaven's pearly gates.
Rest in peace, our community Icon, mom and grandma. May your memory be a sweet taste that lingers in the hearts of those who knew you, and may your spirit continue to inspire the community that loved you!
The family would like to give an extra shout-out to Carlotta Thompson, the epitome of what it means to be a loving granddaughter. She is the sunshine that brightens the darkest days, the warmth that dispels the cold, and the gentle breeze that brings the scent of blooming love. Her selflessness is a reminder of the beauty that lies in the simple act of caring for another! Thank you for all you have done! And your “Our Favorite”!
She will be laid to rest in Old Union Cemetery at Monticello beside her husband, parents and 4 generations of grandparents. Richard Cooley will officiate the services on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 11 am. Visitation will precede the service at the cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Called to Love, PO Box 770, Rison, AR 71665.
