Evelyn V. Flagler-Shank was born on July 1, 1930, in Tampa, Florida. A woman of faith, compassion, and purpose, Evelyn lived a remarkable life devoted to God, family, education, and service to others. Evelyn attended schools in Tampa and dedicated many years of service to the Hillsborough County Public School System. Her passion for children and education extended far beyond her profession. She played an instrumental role in establishing the Head Start program in Tampa, Florida, helping to create opportunities for young children and families and leaving a lasting impact within her community. Evelyn was a proud member of The Bronzettes and a faithful member of Revealing Truth Church. Her love for serving others was demonstrated through her involvement with the Nursing Home and Greeting Ministries, where she shared her caring spirit, warm presence, and love for God with those around her. In her leisure time, Evelyn enjoyed writing, reading, watching movies, and sports. She will be remembered as a loving, caring, and God-fearing woman whose life reflected kindness, faith, and a genuine concern for others. Her dedication to education, ministry, and community service created a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis Valdez, Sr., Frank Jesse Ballard, Essie Mae Ballard; sons, Walter A. Flagler, Jr., Frank A. Flagler and Phillip S. Ballard; brother, Louis Valdez, Jr.; sister, Vallida Valdez; aunts, Annie Cato, Elizabeth Stewart, Hannah Davis and Clementine Walker; uncle, Booker T. Johnson; and husbands, Walter A. Flagler, Sr. and Charlie J. Shank; godchildren, Karla C. Elias and Vience Carter. She leaves cherished memories to her sons, Keith Flagler, Sr. (Helen), Edward Shank (Yvette) and Todd Shank; daughter-in-law, Rose Marie Ballard; daughters, Crystal Shank, Janice Shank, Lori Shank, Regina Shank and Sheila Shank; grandchildren, Latrice Flagler-Mack (Michael, Sr.), Andre Flagler, Porscha Sims (Andrew), Keith Flagler, Jr., Shakeitha Flagler, Deborah McCorley (George-Mark), Sharon Rowe, JaCee Stennis, Jr. (Nikhole), Nicola Vincent (John), Melissa McCorvey (Lawrence), Carleen Holiday (Jalen), Walter Ballard (Tiffany), Jesse Ballard, Chawntay Woods (Allen) and Joya Ballard; 41 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren; sister, Kelly Doster; nieces, Tonya Valdez Mahoney and Nesby Grant; nephews, Michael Valdez, Sr., Steven Valdez, Francisco Valdez and Rufus Beacham; god-children Jackie Gilley, La Nesha Holmes and Rhonda Truss, along with a host of relatives and close friends. Special thanks to the caring staffs of Aventura at the Bay, Canterbury Towers, Encompass Health Rehabilitation, Memorial Hospital, Trilogy Home Healthcare, and Upperline Health. Throughout her life, Evelyn held closely to the words of Psalm 136:1 (KJV): “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.”