Evelyn L. Wilcox

Evelyn Lena (Essex) Wilcox, 87, of Cozad, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, and entered the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ.

Evelyn was born on March 4, 1939 in Cozad, Nebraska, the daughter of Charles Bennett and Gertrude Lena (Gerken) Essex. She graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1956, later in life, completed her cosmetology license through Queen Anne’s Beauty School in Kearney, Nebraska.

Evelyn married Ronald Dean Wilcox on July 15, 1956. Together, they had four children: Teresa, Ronald II, Karen, and James. She is survived by Ronald, her devoted husband of nearly 70 years.

Evelyn was a helpmate to her husband and family, working hard at various jobs: cooking at Cozad Schools, waitressing, cleaning clinics and offices, all while serving as a full-time mom. Later, she opened her own business, Evelyn’s Beauty Shop, where she loved to share her faith with “her ladies.”

Evelyn enjoyed cooking at the Assembly of God camp in Lexington, Nebraska. She also enjoyed sewing and often made clothes for her children and others.

She had a passion for sharing her faith with children, family, and friends. She held J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others & You) Club in her home for neighborhood children. She was also a leader in Christian children’s clubs, including AWANA, girl’s ministries, and kids club.

Her devotion to God was evident in her love of reading, studying scripture through daily devotions, and spending time in prayer. Her true passion was talking to Jesus! She was faithful to share her faith in Jesus Christ and, as a result, many came to know Him.

Surviving members of her loving family are her four children, Teresa (Lynn) Rinehart of North Platte, NE; Ronald (Cristly) Wilcox II of Cozad, NE; Karen (Hershel) Smith of Ludington, MI; and James (Pamela) Wilcox of Omaha, NE. Seven grandchildren: Kelly (Kristen) Smith, Lucas Rinehart; Kody (Courtney) Smith, Lynsey (Andy) Schmad, Kirsten Wilcox, Elliana (Jared) Kastner, and special granddaughter/caregiver, Ashley (Don) Anderson. Great-grandchildren: Evan Taylor, Arianna Smith, Hayden Madl, (Arianna’s fiancé) and Leyton Smith (children of Kelly and Kristen); Kayden Stiver, Henley Smith, and Layne Smith (children of Kody and Courtney); Bennett Rinehart (child of Lucas); Adelyn, Reagan, and Rudy Schmad (children of Lynsey and Andy); Preston Anderson (child of Ashley and Don).

Evelyn is also survived by her brother, Melvin (Lola Mae) Essex; two sisters, Norma VanZant and Barbara (David) Miller; sister-in-laws, Kathy, Judy, and Deb Essex; as well as several special nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gertrude Essex; three brothers, Eldon, Earle, and Norman Essex; two brothers-in-law, Robert Hartman and Raymond VanZant; two nephews, Jeff Essex and Jamin Hartman; and one niece, Cindy Essex.

Arrangements are pending.