Frances Evelyn Broome

Frances Evelyn Barksdale Broome

"Evelyn Broome"

1927–2026

Mrs. Evelyn Broome, passed away leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family, education, and community that spanned nearly a century.

Born in 1927, Evelyn grew up in Boaz, Alabama. She was the daughter and granddaughter of the founders of the Gillespie-Barksdale Funeral Home, where service to others was a family calling. A gifted and driven student, she attended Snead State Junior College while still in high school and had already earned junior-level credit hours when she entered Auburn University. While at Auburn, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she met the love of her life, Herman Broome, a recent World War II veteran. After only a few short months of dating, they married, and at just 19 years old Evelyn moved to Alexandria, Alabama - her husband's hometown - where she would live for the next 77 years.

Soon after settling in Alexandria, the young couple purchased a small grocery store in "downtown" Alexandria. Their first home together was a tiny one-bedroom apartment in the back of that store. It was there that Evelyn began what would become her life's work: teaching at Alexandria High School. Over an extraordinary 65-year career, she poured herself into generations of students.

Second only to her own family, the students and faculty of Alexandria High School became her extended family and her greatest passion. She mentored and befriended literally thousands of young people over the decades. Evelyn taught and substituted in nearly every subject imaginable. From cheerleader sponsor in the 1950s to agriculture classes and special needs education, she never stopped learning and never stopped sharing her love of learning with others.

Her children and grandchildren were the true loves of her life, and she gave of herself endlessly to support and encourage them. She served in almost every capacity with the PTA, band boosters, the Variosa Club, and was a member of Alexandria Baptist Church. Outside the classroom, Evelyn found joy in reading, sewing, gardening, and caring for animals.

She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Broome Smith (Steve); her son, Bill Broome (Judy); her grandchildren, Caroline Smith Ghee (Marshall), Christopher Smith (Sarah), Anna Cate Smith Jeffries (John Warren), and Will Broome (Sydney).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herman Broome, and her parents, Jessye Gillespie Barksdale and William Sherman Barksdale.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026 at The Church at Liberty Park in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Later that day, a visitation will be held from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Anniston Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Evelyn Broome Memorial Scholarship at Alexandria High School and invites donations in Mrs. Broome's memory to continue her passion for lifelong learning. Checks may be mailed to:

Mrs. Evelyn Broome Memorial Scholarship Fund

Alexandria High School

353 Stadium Drive

Alexandria, AL 36250

Evelyn's life was a testament to faithfulness, generosity, and the profound difference one devoted teacher can make. Her influence will live on in the countless lives she shaped.