Dedicated to our Mom, Evelyn M. Shoots
OUR TOWER OF FAITH
August 10, 1924 – March 13, 2025
By Evabelle (Evie) Scott

Our mom, Evelyn M. Shoots, was born in Cuba, NY on August 10, 1924. She was the first of five daughters for William and Eva Matylas. Mom married our dad, Jay Wallace Shoots, on October 6, 1945 and celebrated each one of their four births of children; Evelyn Marie, Jay Wallace Jr., Evabelle Louise, and James William.

As a tremendous lover of words, she was always writing story ideas and loving to come up with different slogan messages for various products. Because of her enthusiasm for writing, Evy began entering skill contests where different companies offered prizes for the best slogan or last line phrase for their product. Over the years, Mom won appliances, a convertible car, and even a $25,00 dream home in 1955!

Mom’s continued desire of writing her own book of inspirational poetry was her biggest dream. Her wish was to share her love for the Lord and bring hope and joy to people. Through encouragement from family and friends, her dream came true! Bonita Healy helped with the publication process and Joyce Shutts with her book cover photo. Her book is titled Grove of Grace. Mom continued to write poems daily, I believe she had written well over 2,000 poems throughout the years!

Mom and Dad also started their own business called Jaycraft Which was wood and plexiglass artistry.; They sold their specialized items in multiple places including the Rochester airport, Alpha and Omega Christian Bookstores, Peterson Bookstores, and many others!

Son, James, admired Mom as even into her 70’s and beyond, she worked for several companies helping others that were disabled. She would drive herself from Henrietta to West Greece for one of her jobs.
Daughter, Evy Marie fondly remembers how she used to draw her paper doll models so we daughters could cut them out and design clothes for them.

Mom had attended Buffalo State Teachers College for art teacher training. She was honored to do designs that were advertised in Buffalo and Syracuse newspapers for use in rugs, carpets, and newspapers.

Marie also remembers rushing to the post office before midnight to get the post mark deadline on Mom’s contest entries! Marie and husband, Ron, have a son, Mark Edward, who has beautiful printing. He said he still credits Grandma as she was the first to put a pen in his hand!

Evabelle cherishes the years she and Mom were blessed with to share their God-given talents – poetry by Mom, singing and ventriloquism by Evie. They shared their gifts at multiple appreciative locations such as elementary schools, senior living homes, birthday parties, libraries and many churches including Faith Methodist, Word of Life and their home church West Henrietta Baptist. Son, Jim helped kindly with driving and equipment needs.

Son, Jay, remembers Mom teaching all of us a very long word:
Pneumonoultramicrospicsilicovolcanoconiosis!

She loved encouraging others by means of cards of all kinds; she sent out hundreds over the years, making dear friends at many P.O.s!

Jim and Evie cheered her on when taking turns driving for daily rides. We pointed out mail vehicles so she could wave and smile to those driving. When they saw mom, they waved back!

For over 18 years, Mom and Evie were blessed to do Volunteer Community Food Ministry through Wegmans and Lori’s Natural Food donations. Sorting and bagging and reloading into their vehicle for recipients who were diabetic or had to have gluten free foods, they delivered the food to many in need. Son, Jim helped for five years also.

Mom praised the Lord daily for all blessings. We praise God for her and have been blessed by her love and joyful presence in our lives. Her favorite Bible scripture, Nehemiah 8:10 “The Joy of the Lord is your strength” was truly how she lived and breathed.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom!
We love you so very much!
Your thankful children,
Evy Marie, Jay, Evie and Jim

Living Music by Evelyn “Evy” Shoots

Music is a golden thread
in life’s fine tapestry
Weaving through designs of days
enhancing all we see

Songs of dawnings carry hope
to lift our spirits high
boosting courage to improve
the plans of days gone by

Notes may wail with winter wind
but sing through summer trees
Painting scenes of thankful times
in living melodies

Seeing Spring’s parade of blooms
plants precious memories
Joyful chirpings fill the air
In chorus with each breeze

Even when we don’t expect
sweet strains of vibrant keys
hover to renew our souls
recalling hours of ease

Hearing voices that we love
Is music to our ears
Cherished days together send
Sweet echoes through the years

God placed music in our hearts
For tuning with this love
Trusting in His guiding hand
Yields more than we dream of!

Tunes recall our keepsake scenes
Abridging time and space
Holding moments ever dear
With notes that don’t erase

Inspiration radiates
In chords or rhapsodies
Charming to a depth of soul
As tired tension flees

Rhythm carries harmony
When we march glad and free
Happy in the Liberty
Our Savior brought to be