Evelon Dale, 63, of Harlingen, Texas passed away suddenly on March 16, 2015. She was known for her unending generosity to friends, family and strangers alike. She was a gifted athlete in her youth and dedicated to educating herself and others. She was the first woman elected as a Commissioner for the Brownsville Navigation District. She was dedicated to protecting people’s rights and was a tireless champion for those who could not fight for themselves. But without question, Evelon’s devotion to her daughter Alyssa will be her greatest and longest lasting legacy. Evelon Dale was born May 13, 1951, and raised in Los Fresnos, Texas. She attended Los Fresnos High School, where as a student athlete she established long standing records in basketball and tennis and was an active member of her high school marching band. She obtained her Bachelors of Science and Masters in Education in Counseling and Guidance from Pan American University in Edinburg. As a life-long learner, she attended the Reynaldo G. Garza School of Law and the Harvard Mediation Program. Evelon’s career in education began in 1973 as a classroom teacher for first the Hidalgo and then the Brownsville Independent School Districts and later served her students as a counselor for the Brownsville ISD. She went on to serve as a Director for the Valley Community Hospital, La Esperanza Home for Boys and Villa Bethany Home for Girls and then the Good Neighbor Settlement House. She returned to education on the college level as an adjunct professor at Pan American University and served as the Director of a Drug Prevention Program for the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, which was recognized by the State of Texas for excellence. In 1992, Evelon turned to a new career by serving the community as the Director of the Cameron County Bar Association Pro Bono Project, worked with local courts as an investigator for family law cases, and opened her own advertising agency. She returned to academia in 2002 as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Brownsville, and established Master Grant Writers of Texas, a company she owned until her passing. Evelon Dale will be always be remembered by her students and the people in her community she served with love and affection. Her success as a business woman will be a model to adaptation and how to work with the purpose of making the world a better place to live. But her generosity will outlive any single act of compassion. Evelon never hesitated to give others more than she had herself. And while she was recognized beyond counting by community organizations throughout the Valley and the state, she never sought notice. Evelon would see those in need and acted. She called on friends, family, acquaintances and the community as a whole to give what they could to help those who couldn’t help themselves. And she didn’t forget. For more than fifteen years, Evelon raised thousands of dollars for children to have a Magical Christmas. Each year new clothes, toys, and bikes were donated to give to deprived children in the community so that they would each have a Christmas to remember. With the help of Alyssa her daughter and countless friends Evelon raised all the funds, hosted the children with their families and brought the true spirit of the season alive. Her daughter is going to carry on the tradition in her mother’s memory. With all Evelon gave to others, she saved the best of herself for her daughter Alyssa. Evelon’s love and dedication knew no bounds. No trip was too far, no effort was too great and no sacrifice was too deep. She poured her heart and soul into giving Alyssa every opportunity to learn and grow. Evelon shined with pride with each accomplishment and recognition bestowed upon her little girl. Evelon Dale was preceded in death by her loving parents, Willene Macomb Dale and John Dale. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Alyssa Lillian Della Dale, her brother, Billy (Becky) Dale and sister, Laura (Greg) Wilson. Also surviving her, are her nieces and nephews, Kendra Casas, Michael Dale, Obie Wilson, Cain Wilson, and Nicole Wilson and numerous great-nieces and nephews. She will also be forever remembered by her aunt and uncle, Della and Frank Miller. Visitation will be held on Friday March 20, 2015, from 5pm to 8pm at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church located at 1417 E Austin Ave, Harlingen, TX, (956) 428-2305. A “Reflection and Celebration” of Evelon Dale’s life will begin at 7:00 pm at the same location and date. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 beginning at 10:00 am at St Alban’s Episcopal Church at the same address. A reception will be held in the parish hall at St Alban’s immediately following the services. Serving as pallbearers are: John Wood, Manny Vela, David Gonzales III, Hugh Emerson, Juan Mendoza, and Kevin Jae Kim and honorary pallbearer, Joseph Hernandez. A private Inturnment will be held by Evelon’s family on her birthday (May 13th) at Mont Meta Cemetery in San Benito, Texas. Evelon Dale’s family has established a memorial fund through the First Community Bank. Donations will be accepted at any branch and should be made to: Evelon Dale Memorial Fund, Acct. Number 1582054. For information regarding donations please call 956-399-3331. You may sign the online guestbook, send words of comfort, or sympathy cards to the family of Evelon L. Dale at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331