Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 8, 2004, at 11:00 a.m., at the North Kern Cemetery District in Delano, CA, for Evelyn Cleo Davis Pewitt. Evelyn was a longtime resident of the Pond-Earlimart-Delano-McFarland communities for 81 years. She was a loving, devoted mother, grandmother, sister and cousin.

Evelyn was born March 30, 1919, to William C. Davis and Nannie Maud Poindexter, in Cold Springs, Oklahoma. Cold Springs exists today as a man made lake and the site of the family home is now lakeshore property. At four years of age Evelyn and family traveled to California and resided in Pond. Evelyn started 1st grade at Pondham school, a single room county school that presently is Pond School. When work was slow, and times tough the Poindexter Family Farm in Earlimart was the nesting place of many family members. Evelyn helped her Grandma Poindexter sell turkey eggs, and dressed turkeys to help keep the family alive.

Evelyn attended Earlimart School from 2nd grade through 8th grade graduation. She treasured her high school days very much, and was very proud to be a graduate of Delano High School, Class of 1937. She attended Bakersfield Junior College for one semester with Business as her course of study, and that experience landed her a summer job for the Kern County Welfare Department.

Her sweetheart, Bob, had sold a refrigerator, and from the refrigerator carton he added a lid making Evelyn a hope chest. In 1939, Evelyn married Robert O. Pewitt (Bob). Her bridal trousseau consisted ot 4 handmade quilts and her hope chest. Evelyn and Bob lived at the "Kern Homes" near the Minter Field Airport where they both worked on the "war effort." World War 11 called Bob to duty and Evelyn worked in McFarland at Ruth's Dress Shop. Always wanting to improve herself, Evelyn decided to attend Beauty College, but Bob's return home from the war ended her cosmetology career, and the two opened up a furniture and appliance store in McFarland. Evelyn worked for the First National Bank of McFarland, and in 1957, she went to work for the Kern County Road Department where she retired after 25 years.

She resided in the City of McFarland for 56 years and loved to share the history of the city and its residents. She treasured the fellowship of her friends and acquaintances. Her gracious smile and helping hand was greatly appreciated by the VFW Auxiliary, Senior Citizens Center, Parks & Recreation Department and the Commodity Give Away Program.

Evelyn enjoyed crocheting, quilting, collecting dolls, and treasured her travels to Alaska and Oklahoma. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Like Grandma Poindexter's house, Grandma Evelyn's house was a "special haven." Grandma always has special treats, activities, and a Dr. Pepper. Her dining table was a popular spot for country cooking and conversation. Her "Oklahoma" meal of brown beans, fried potatoes, biscuits and gravy was a special treat, and always included some "words of wisdom or advice." Her humor, love and compassion touched the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Thomas Eugene "Tommy" Pewitt and wife, Yolanda of Glennville, CA; daughter, Eylonda Lee Kepler and husband, Les of Visalia, CA; and son, Anthony Owen Pewitt of San Luis Obispo; "Special Sisters" Pat Hokit of Bakersfield and Maxine Fletcher of Delano; grand and great grandchildren, Jennifer and Thomas Midnight Pewitt, Joshua Pewitt, Jody Duncan, Tina DeLussa, Jeremy Duncan, Amy Duncan, Tushi Johnston, Raymond Pewill, Mandy Pewitt, Danielle and Derrick DeLussa, Michael Hempleman, Colin Duncan, Elizabeth Proffit, Thomas Johnston, Cody and Alexis Delozier, Anthony Pewitt, Chelsea and Zachary Pewitt; Breanna, Zachary, Tyler and Jaldyn Pewitt.

Delano Mortuary

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