Evelyn Marie Gause was a phenomenal presence within the Polk County Community. She was an inspirational and devoted member of Mt.Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church for over 80 years. Evelyn was the owner of Gause Funeral Home. She was a member of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People, and many other community organizations. She was especially fond of the Deacons and Stewards Alliance, where she served as an essential and vital member since it's founding.

Born in Wilmington, North Carolina on November 6, 1920, to George Henry Gause, Sr. and Marie Freedman Gause, Evelyn came to Bartow at an early age. She, her parents, and her siblings became part of the quilt work of this fine community. Her twin brother, George Henry Gause predeceased her. Evelyn has two sisters, Bernice Downing and Annette Smith, both of whom reside in St. Petersburg, Florida.

From Evelyn's marriage to the now deceased Isaiah "Rabbit" Sabb, she bored a beloved and most attentive son, George Ronald Sabb (wife, Charlotta) whom she leaves to mourn her passing. She was the matriarch of a family that includes five grandchildren namely, Yacenda Ambrose (husband, Mario), and Sharon Oce (husband, Rastee), both of Miami, Florida; George Ronald Sabb II (wife, Brandi) and Heather both of Atlanta, Georgia; and
Dexter Sabb of Bartow. Evelyn also has ten great-grandchildren. Ki Andre, Khari and Symone Ambrose of Miami, Florida; Johnnie Law of Miami, Florida; Donquese "KiKi" Sabb of Bartow; A'Lyric, Aliyah, and Peter Warrick II of Atlanta, Georgia; Juri Sabb of Orlando and George Ronald III of Atlanta, Georgia.

Evelyn leaves a host of nieces and nephews to mourn her passing. One of her nieces, Joyce Gause Thurman (husband, Jim) who many thought was her daughter, was forever caring in her time of need. Evelyn also leaves to mourn her passing LB McLin who provided friendship coupled with health care to her in her declining years. She had a large contingency of extended family members and close friends who will miss her very much.

Evelyn's community dedication was evidenced through her involvement with the Deacons and Stewards Alliance, where she was Co-Treasurer and a member of its executive committee. Evelyn played a leadership role in many of the activities of this Association that is aimed at improving the community. As an active member, Evelyn demonstrated untiring efforts to assist, lead, volunteer, participate, and play any role necessary to further this organization's goals and objectives. Never one to say no, Evelyn played a major role in all activities and events for the last 21 years until her health began to decline.

Evelyn has also been a member of the National Association of Colored People since the early 1950's. Her dedication and leadership abilities played an integral role in the evolution of this organization in Polk County.

Coupled with her involvement in these organizations, Evelyn was dedicated to her church, Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church. Although she described herself as a "bench" member, Evelyn played a leadership role in her church all of her adult life until her health began to decline. She personally financed, and spearheaded numerous events over the years.

Many community members will recall the more than forty years that Evelyn maintained a career with Central Life Insurance Company. She represented this company in most of the cities of Polk County, including Wauchula, Ft. Meade, Bradley, Fuller Heights, and Bartow. Evelyn's lifelong commitment to entrepreneurship and career pursuits was so much a part of the exceptional woman of which she was an embodiment. Central Life Insurance Company also recognized her dedication and presented her with an Outstanding Employee award.

Never one to be idle, Evelyn supported her favorite sports team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and engaged in freshwater fishing with the same passion that carried her through a lifetime rich in purpose, dedication to church, family and community.

Out of all of Evelyn's family, church and community activities, she loved her son George Ronald Sabb the MOST. He was her world and he will truly miss her.

Visitation Thursday Feb. 26, 2009 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the funeral home. Funeral services Friday Feb. 27, 2009 1:00PM at Mt. Gilboa Missionary Baptist Church 1205 Martin L. King Jr. Blvd. Bartow, Fl.Interment Wildwood Cemetery-Bartow, Fl.