Evelyn Louise Cress

Our beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother, Evelyn Louise Church Cress, reunited with her Lord and loved ones in heaven on December 9, 2011. Born in Buncombe County on December 11, 1946, as a girl she was a selfless caregiver to her mother, father, brother, and sisters. Having moved in 1964 to Greensboro as a young wife and mother, she wholeheartedly devoted herself to her family and church, Lake Brandt Baptist Church. Known as "Mrs. D" to her daughters' friends, her home was always open as a place to meet, to eat, and to laugh. She was everybody's "Mom." She exhibited a period of uncharacteristic independence in the mid-80's when she completed law enforcement training and became a Guilford County Sheriff's Deputy. Upon the arrival of each granddaughter, her life became more and more fulfilled as she settled naturally into the role of grandmother. Known as "Mamaw" to her little gals, she developed a unique relationship with each one and they all have precious, personal memories of time spent with her to be cherished forever. Her daughters and their families have been blessed to share their lives for the last 25 years with her darling husband, Raymond Cress, the girls' "Papaw." He "just loved her." As a member of numerous charitable organizations, Randolph County benefitted from the countless hours and energy she expended in service to others. She set the example for those left behind about how to love even those you don't know. She had a heart for giving. She is survived by her husband Raymond Cress of Randleman, NC; daughter Rhonda Dillingham and her husband William Perdue III of Asheboro, NC; daughter Rebecca Dillingham Panel and her husband Chris Panel of Wake Forest, NC; granddaughter Cathryn Bennett and her husband Sky Bennett of Hillsborough, NC; granddaughter Anna-Beck Panel of Wake Forest, NC; and granddaughter Elizabeth "Tess" Perdue of Asheboro, NC. Surviving siblings include Lavon Dillingham of Barnardsville, NC; Lynda Davis of Black Mountain, NC; Charles "Buddy" Church of Olive Branch, MS; and Jeany Shepherd of Anderson, SC. She also leaves behind a wealth of friends and extended family, who loved her dearly. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro from 6:00-8:00. Friends and family are also welcome at her daughter Rhonda's home at 236 S. Elm St., Asheboro, NC. A service of remembrance will be held on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 11:00 am at Pugh Funeral Home's Chapel, 437 Sunset Ave. Asheboro, N.C. 27203. Memorial gifts may be made to Shriners' Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 560666, Charlotte, N.C. 28256.