Evelyn Ray Bright was born on May 14, 1933, to Corban and Eva Sewell Jackson in Lewisville, Arkansas. She passed away on April 15, 2026, in Texarkana, Texas. Evelyn was a lifelong woman of faith and a devoted member of Stamps First United Methodist Church and the Mary McSwain Sunday School Class. She shared her gifts generously, singing in the choir, playing in the bell choir, and serving wherever she was needed. Whether she was cooking, decorating, or arranging flowers, she found ways to care for others and support her church family. She was a homemaker in the truest sense – someone who created a home and made it a haven for her family. Evelyn had a gift for making things beautiful.  She was a talented cook and baker, a gifted seamstress, and had an eye for fashion that allowed her to recreate anything she saw. She worked tirelessly with her hands to bless the people she loved. Her love for beauty extended beyond her home. Evelyn found joy in gardening and took pride in caring for her yard and flowers. She also shared that gift with her community, volunteering her time to tend the flowers at the Stamps Fire Station and City Hall. But more than anything, Evelyn was devoted to her family, especially to her husband, David. The two were married for 76 years, building a life side by side. They were rarely apart, and their lives were woven together in a way that was evident to everyone who knew them. Known as Mimi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Evelyn found her greatest joy in caring for her family. She showed her love through service – through meals prepared, clothes sewn, flowers planted, and time given freely. To be loved by her was to be cared for in ways both big and small.

Evelyn is survived by her loving husband of 76 years, Charley David Bright; son, David Ray Bright (Debbie); daughter, Jeannie Fuller; daughter, Eva Jill Bright (Kim); grandchildren, Dennise Franklin, Ginger Braun (Chris), Charley Bright (Amanda), Anna England (Mike), Brooke Haynes, and John Michael Haynes; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Smith and LaFrance Pate; sister-in-law, Linda Jackson; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters Margie Frady and Georgia Epperson; and brother, John Jackson.

The family would like to thank our dear friend, Jamie Mason, who styled Evelyn's hair every week and brought her such comfort and joy in her final days. Also, thank you to Hospice of Texarkana for being such a blessing to our family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Evelyn's honor.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at A O Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas.

Funeral Services will be held at A O Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 am with the Rev. Mark Rivers officiating. Interment to follow at Wilson Cemetery, Lewisville, Arkansas.

Services are under the direction of A O Smith Funeral Home, Stamps, Arkansas.