Evangeline John George

Evangeline John George, age 93, passed away from earthly life on March 27, 2024. Born in Beaumont, Texas on May 11, 1930, to James and Rose Katherine George, Evangeline (Van) impacted the lives of many people. Van dedicated her entire life to helping others in her community whether they were family, friends, or complete strangers.
Van graduated from Beaumont High School in 1948. After graduation she attended Lamar College, and later graduated from the University of Houston in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Aside from her years at the University of Houston, she lived in Beaumont, Texas her entire life and she loved her hometown. She always worked to make Beaumont a place where people wanted to live.
Van taught in the Beaumont ISD for 48 years. She started as a middle school social studies and science teacher at Bowie and Austin Middle Schools. She later became a science teacher at the high school level teaching at Beaumont High School, Beaumont-Charlton Pollard (BCP), and Central High School. During her last 5 years at Central High School, she served as the Student Activities Director.
Not only did Van teach science, she truly cared for her students. Her students were her children, and she loved each one of them. She strived to make school a place where children came to learn, but also had fun. She sponsored many organizations within the school. She headed Anchor Club service organization. She worked as a class sponsor for all of the classes at one time or another. She organized school dances, the prom, and homecoming parades. She was involved with the sports booster clubs. She attended school sports events and helped with the concession stands. She coached students for the Academic Decathlon, Texaco Challenge, and Channel 6 Challenge. She chaperoned many of the students when they got to travel out of town for competitions or field trips. All of the students in the school knew Miss George. Each of them knew they could go to Miss George for help with any problem or concern. She taught multiple generations of families. The students referred to her as "Mamma Van," and in later years as "Grandma." Her love for her students was evident to everyone.
Van's desire to make a difference in the lives of others did not stop when she retired. She continued to volunteer in the community. She has served on the boards of Communities in Schools and the YWCA. She also taught Sunday School at St. Michael's Orthodox Church and served on the church board. She was a member and president of Delta Kappa Gamma International professional educator's society and was also the president the Beaumont Association of Retired Teachers.
Not only did Van love her Beaumont, she loved the Great State of Texas and the United States of America. Van enjoyed being involved in politics. Through her involvement with Golden Triangle Republicans and Republican women, she worked to increase voter registration and voter turnout. She looked forward to election time and worked to help elect qualified individuals for office. She never shied away from giving her opinion on any topic, but especially in politics. Right now she would tell you, "Vote Trump!" She called for the citizens of Beaumont to work to clean up the government, the school district, and the streets.
Van is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Anita George Lekas (Mitchell) and Theodora George; her brother, Demitri George; and niece, Belynda George.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Lynda Ferguson George White; nieces, Tina Lekas Miller (Mark), Rose Katherine George Haluschak (Steven), and Effie George Sandifeer (Josh); and nephews, Jim Lekas (Janean) and John Lekas (Tina). Van has a very close-knit extended family and is loved by many cousins, great nieces and great nephews living all around the world.
Van lived a life of loving and caring for others. She was truly grateful for her caregivers and friends who showed her so much love and compassion at the end of her life.
Some years ago, Van and her niece discussed Van's wishes concerning her arrangements when she passed away. They had a great laugh bringing them both to tears. Knowing Van and her humor, you might also find that the following quotes bring a smile to your face.
Van once said, "Flowers make the funeral." Her florist of choice is Carl Johnsen Florist.
"If you didn't know me when I was alive, you don't need to know me when I am dead. Sorry for your loss."-Evangeline J. George
Memorial contributions in Van's memory may be made by check made payable to Lamar University Foundation, P. O. Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710. In the note line on the check, please write IMO Evangeline George. You may also visit the giving webpage at www.lamar.edu/give and for "Designation" please choose "Other" and in the dialogue box state "in memory of Evangeline George". Any donor can call the Foundation office at 409-880-2117 for assistance in making a gift.
A gathering of Ms. George's family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a Trisagion at 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2024, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 680 N. 15 Street, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. Her interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont, with a mercy meal following in the church hall. Arrangements were under the direction of Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.