Evelyn Marie Golden

Evelyn Marie Golden of Middlesboro, KY, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born on January 6, 1938, in Chenoa, KY, and was the oldest child of Matt and Alice Golden.

Evelyn exhibited a very determined personality, overcoming many obstacles along her way. She rose from very poor and humble beginnings, to a successful teaching career. When weather prohibited her from walking out of the holler to go to school, she persevered, and graduated high school in her early 20’s. She then joined the Women’s Army Corps, serving both stateside, and in Okinawa.

While in Okinawa, she married, and returned stateside, to San Diego, CA, where her son, David Wilde was born. Upon deciding to return home to KY, she enrolled in Union College on the GI Bill, graduating in 1968. She began her teaching career in Maysville, KY and McCreary County, KY, before moving to Houston, TX, continuing her teaching career, and her education there. After teaching many years in TX, she again returned home to KY, where she was a substitute teacher for the Middlesboro School System, and worked in retail until she reached retirement age.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Matt and Alice Golden, and her only child, David Wilde.

Left to mourn her passing, are her brothers and sisters. They are Kenneth Golden of Sachse, TX, Bonnie Collins of Middlesboro, KY, Betty Parks-Earle of Middlesboro, KY, Richard Golden (Mary) of Fairfield, TX, Faye Wimmer of Salem, VA, Mary Jenkins (Edward) of Pineville, KY, and John Matt Golden (Pam) of Arjay, KY. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and loved ones that she met along the way.

She attended Trinity Baptist Church as long as her health would allow, and became a resident at the Middlesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. The family would like to thank the church, the nursing facility, and hospice staff for the kindness, love and respect that they showed our sister.

The family of Evelyn Golden will receive friends on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel in Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Keith Medley presiding. Music will be provided by members of the Trinity Baptist Church.

Graveside services will take place immediately following the funeral service at the Middlesboro Cemetery, Middlesboro, KY.

Pallbearers will be John Matt Golden, Roy Collins, Jr., Robbie Parks, Chris Parks, Ed Jenkins, and Ben Jenkins.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Evelyn Marie Golden are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.