Evelyn Griffin Bollman of Greenville passed away on August 25, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 57 years Franklin Bollman, sons Kevin Bollman and wife Mary of Dallas, David Bollman and wife Tammy of Heath, and grandchildren George Bollman, Harrison Bollman, Claire Bollman and Amelia Bollman. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Nell Griffin and her brother Dr. Steve Griffin of Tyler.
Evelyn was born September 23, 1943 in Greenville, Texas. Because her father was in combat in North Africa and later at D-Day during World War II, he did not see his daughter until she was two years old.
After the war, the Griffins moved from Greenville to Tyler, Texas. Evelyn attended Robert E. Lee High School where she was a cheerleader and graduated in 1961. She served as a Lady in Waiting at the Tyler Rose Festival in 1963.
Evelyn earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1964. After college, she became a buyer for Titche-Goettinger in Dallas. Later, she taught at the Patricia Stevens College for Women in downtown Dallas.
Evelyn was an interior decorator as well as a licensed real estate broker in Greenville with Danny Darby Real Estate, Inc. Subsequently, she spent many years as a mortgage broker in Greenville and Tyler. She enjoyed helping young couples buy and finance their first homes.
Devoted to their well-being and success, Evelyn supported her sons in their school, church, sports and scouting activities.
Christmas remained Evelyn’s favorite time of the year. For the annual Altrusa Tour of Homes in Greenville, she helped to transform houses with festive holiday displays. Inspired by the Christmas lighting in San Miguel, Mexico, Evelyn recruited her Park Street neighbors to light up each property with luminarias.
Evelyn and Frank established KaDee (Kevin and David) Christmas Tree Farm during the early 1980s. The Kadee Farm has become a popular holiday destination for generations of North Texas families.
As an active supporter of the Greenville community, Evelyn was a member and officer in the Newcomers Club and the Dirtdabblers and Spade and Trowel Garden Clubs. She was a member of the Greenville Revitalization Organization and served on the Greenville Main Street Board. She was also involved with the Greenville Follies.
Recently, Evelyn enjoyed traveling with friends and family, playing bridge and organizing activities at Greenville Club Lake.
Her quick wit and contagious laughter will be missed—along with her daily conversations with her sons.
Visitation services are scheduled at Coker Mathews Funeral Home, Friday, September 2, 2022, 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be at Kavanaugh United Methodist Church, Saturday, September 3, 2022, 10 a.m. Interment will be at Sparkman-Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.