Evelyn "Zeke" Cheek

Cleveland matriarch Evelyn Ernestine Cheek, better known Zeke passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2015, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 92 years.   Evelyn was born October 29, 1922, at 201 North Jordan in Cleveland, Oklahoma.  She was the daughter of Arthur Harold and Lola Estenee (House) Lucas.  Growing up in Cleveland, Zeke began her education at the Greenwood School south of Cleveland, Oklahoma.  During that time Zeke was a track star for the Greenwood School.  After completing the eighth grade, Zeke began attending school at the Cleveland High School later graduating with the Class of 1940.  Following high school Evelyn began working at the local grocery store in 1941.  She worked at Crady's Grocery on Main Street until 1966.  During her time there she worked as a stocker, checker and occasionally as a butcher.  One story Zeke would always refer to was if a customer ever asked for liver they were always out because she couldn't stand to touch it.  She also said that working in the grocery store then is way different than it is today, because you personally helped your customer from the time they entered the store all the way until they left.  During that time in the 1940's she earned $12 per week for six days of work not to mention they were long days.  In 1966, after the closure of Crady's, Zeke purchased Nealy's Insurance Agency.  After two years working in the insurance business a new endeavor opened up for Zeke Cheek.  She got wind of the tag agency coming up for sale.  Zeke did her homework and was soon appointed and approved by the Oklahoma Tax Commission as the local tag agent. The office was originally in the 200 block of South Broadway and later moved it to its current location of 108 South Broadway.  Zeke has served this community and surrounding area as the local tag agent for over 44 years.  Zeke has been a main street icon for well over 70 years the longest of anyone to date.   Living life to the fullest was always a given for Zeke.  She loved being outside working in the garden which she was doing just recently.  Competition was always a thrill for Zeke.  From playing badminton, softball as well as volleyball; you could always guarantee a lady that gave it her all to win.  Zeke also loved to collect things.  She had a large collection of license plates, bricks, stamps and coins.  Zeke also enjoyed reading poems and would often quote them according to the situation she was in.  Evelyn would spend many hours with two televisions and a radio going to keep up on what was going on in the sporting world.  She was also enjoyed watching college football, women's basketball and NASCAR.  Jeff Gordon was her favorite driver to say the least.  Zeke was a longtime Sunday School teacher at the First Christian Church where she was a faithful member.   Survivors are her three children Lesta Cheek of Cleveland, Oklahoma, David Cheek of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Paul Cheek and his wife Terri of Cleveland, Oklahoma; brother Robert Lucas of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren Robert Cheek, Amy Quinn and her husband Roland, Donnie Cheek, Stephanie Cruzen, Jason Cheek and his wife Tracy, Adam Cheek and his wife Tiffany, Amber Wolff and her husband James, Shannan Kelly, Jeremy Ford and his wife Amber, Jacob Ford and his wife Wendy; great grandchildren Nick, Dylan, Justice, Tyler, Alyssa, Brittney, Kane, Sahara, Coleson, Jaden, Rylee, Jaxon, Gabe, Gracen, Skyler, Synch, Anniston; two great great grandchildren Ryland, Lauren and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn her passing.  She was preceded in death by her father Arthur Lucas, mother Lola Lucas, brother Jack Marion Lucas and a great grandson Ezekiel Kyle Cheek.   Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at the First Christian Church with Pastor David Logsdon, Pastor Ronnie Epps and Dick Risinger officiating.  Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.  Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com.