Evelyn Marie Webb Dykes-Chriswell, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and author of “Grambo: The True Adventures of an American Grandmother in Baghdad….and Beyond,” passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024, at the age of 82 in Shreveport, LA.
She was born in Converse, LA on May 25, 1941, to PV and Agnes Hope McKellar Webb. Evelyn lived a life devoted to God and her family. Her unwavering love for the Lord, her family, friends, and her country was seen by the life she lived. She served as a minister’s wife and missionary in France with her husband, Bobby Dykes. She also served as a minister’s wife with her husband, Bob Chriswell. Evelyn served in various capacities in the church. While working as a military contractor in Iraq, she was a source of hope and peace to her co-workers and the military members she served. She was a friend, mentor, and counselor to many. She will be deeply missed by loving family and friends. Although she may be gone from this life on earth, she lives on through her words and the memories she created with those she loved deeply.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Agnes Hope McKellar Webb, father, PV Webb; husband, Bobby Dykes, husband, Bob Chriswell; stepmother, Lois Webb; sister-in-law, Paula Webb; and grandson, Seth Dykes. She is survived by brothers, Jerry Webb, Paul Verdell Webb and wife, Galyn; sons, Brendle Dykes and wife, Traci, Byron Dykes and wife, Laura; grandsons, Benjamin Gevin Dykes and Bryton Dykes; granddaughters, Scout Dykes-Hughbanks and Hannah Wilson; great-grandson, Roman Seth Dykes; stepdaughters, Cindy Neal and family, Melanie Johnson and family; nephews, Brian Webb, Paul Webb and wife, Kim; nieces, Amber Womack and husband, Kevin, Marte’ Williams and husband, Kelly Ryan; extended family, Stephanie Dykes, Dustin Hughbanks, and many precious great-nieces and nephews, a host of other dear friends, and her beloved puppy, “Snowball.”
Evelyn’s family wishes to give special thanks to her son, Byron, for his constant love and care, and to her niece, “Amber,” who often helped to care for her at home and at Garden Park. Special thanks also to Ashley Hartman, Jade Parker, and Kathleen Hawthorne for the assistance they provided in helping to keep Evelyn at home for as long as possible. Thank you to the staff at Garden Park and to Lifepath Hospice who cared for Evelyn during the final days of the journey.