This story appeared in the 87th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Official Game Program

Given the chance, Freddie Goosby Evans can tell her life story in a few hours.
 
Memories from Evans' 35-year career with Dallas' United States Postal Service, recounting current retirement activities, and reliving adventures with her two daughters, three grandsons and granddaughter quickly pass the time.   
 
But a chapter from nearly 50 years ago stands out. Evans, 67, asserts being the first Black member of the Kilgore College Rangerette dance team molded her into who she is today.
 
Evans performed from 1973-75 on the 34th line, under the direction of Rangerette founder Gussie Nell Davis. Like every Rangerette since 1951, Evans performed in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
 
The Rangerettes have become synonymous with the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, working public and behind-the-scenes events and performing during pregame and halftime.
 
As a Dallas native and Texas State Fair attendee, Evans knew the original Fair Park venue well. That made participating in the cold, New Year's Day game extra special.
 
"I was so glad to be at home," Evans said, recalling her experience in the Cotton Bowl Classic. "My mom had to always count me from the left side in because I blended in. I hate to say that, but I did. My classmates would come home because we were all out for the holidays and they were watching from the stands. I was proud."
 
Evans joined the Rangerettes at 17 years old. She had no roommates and frequently ate meals alone but found friends and structure through the organization. Multiple practices between classes and an ever-changing performance schedule taught Evans valuable life skills.
 
"You took your boots with you," she said. "You never knew what your schedule was like."
 
Evans graduated from Kilgore College with a Fashion Merchandise and Display degree. The time management skills honed as a Rangerette helped her ascend Dallas' USPS ranks. She held several roles including distribution clerk, women's program coordinator, injury compensation manager, personnel services manager, human resources generalist, and customer sales and services.
 
NO TIME FOR RETIREMENT
Nearly 250 people attended her 2011 retirement party.
 
A quiet, idle retirement never crossed Evans' mind. Among other things, she joined the city of Grand Prairie's Commission on Aging, volunteered at the African American Museum in Dallas, and became the Village United Methodist Church's Event Coordinator.
 
Every church event falls under Evans' care. The abbreviated duty list involves coordinating luncheons, funerals, weddings, vow renewals, assisting with youth programs and serving as the church's United Way Red Cross coordinator.
 
"She is just a genius at [planning]," Village UMC Pastor Derek Jacobs said.
 
A wreath and centerpiece-making event for church and community members in October highlighted that expertise. Evans bought every single item needed for crafting, spending hours at various stores finding the colors and décor requested by more than 30 women.
 
She taught everyone how to make a wreath or centerpiece. Participants left meeting new friends and with a hope that the event would be offered again.
 
"They were so excited," Evans said. "It almost brought tears to my eyes."
 
Evans taps into her planning skills as the elected Chairperson for the City of Grand Prairie Commission on Aging. Since 2019, she has organized a donor-funded, drive-thru luncheon for local Grand Prairie Veterans. This year it evolved into a Dinner and Dance for more than 150 people.
 
Coordinating surprise birthday parties, selling baked goods during the holidays, and planning 50th class reunions are essential parts of post-work life. Evans puts up Christmas decorations featuring five trees, with over 1,100 ornaments on the main tree, by mid-October. Then she focuses on decorating the church and clients' houses.
 
No matter how busy Evans gets, family remains a priority. A Mary J. Blige concert with her daughters, baking competitions with a grandson, movie nights with the grandkids, and admiring her 300-plus Barbie doll collection with her granddaughter top the extensive list of family activities.
 
Pastor Jacobs describes Evans as an "Energizer Bunny", but also views her as a mother figure. She checks on him daily, shares baked goods, and invites him to family events.
 
"She's going to love me and hold me accountable," Jacobs said. "Just like a mother."
 
AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS
Joanyett Mays-Scott sees those qualities, too. She met Evans two years ago through mutual Rangerette friends on Facebook. Since then, they have exchanged countless messages.
 
Mays-Scott performed with the Rangerettes from 1990-92 on the 51st line. In college, she tried learning more about the Black Rangerettes who came before her. That interest reignited a few years ago when Mays-Scott adopted a Rangerette and reconnected with former dancers interested in finding Evans.
 
"It was like a little girl's dream come true," Mays-Scott said of meeting Evans. "I had never met anybody who liked the things that I liked as a young Black woman."
 
Mays-Scott, a California resident, arranged a two-part portrait hanging ceremony to honor Evans and inspire future dancers. The first part, in February 2022, featured a Zoom call with several hundred attendees from every phase of Evans' life.
 
A few weeks later, family and friends traveled to Kilgore to watch her hang a black and gold framed 8-by-10-inch portrait inside the Gussie Nell Davis Residence Hall at Kilgore College. Georgia-based artist Juan Rodriguez painted the young Evans, standing tall in a white hat, red blouse, blue skirt, white belt, and white arm gauntlets.
 
"It was very emotional," Evans said. "It was a blessing because most people don't get this before..."
 
Her voice trails off.
 
Dana Blair, Rangerette director since 1993 and a member of the 42nd line, said Evans' portrait fits the dormitory's museum-like atmosphere. The walls feature pictures from past performances and other Rangerette memorabilia.
 
Blair and Evans met about 10 years ago, but Blair already knew about the first Black Rangerette. Selflessness and a genuine approach preceded Evans. 
 
"She's just a beautiful spirit and a special, special lady," Blair said.
 
The Rangerettes will forever be a part of Evans' life. She mentors current Rangerettes, hosts former members visiting the Dallas area, and spends time with her college friends, "the Diamonds". These five women exchange daily messages, chat monthly on Zoom, and meet in-person every year.
 
Friends and family have encouraged Evans to write a book about her inspiring life. She passes on this idea, for now.
 
One thing is clear, though. Her impact will outlive the pages of any printed medium.  
 
"She is very loving, she is tender-hearted," Mays-Scott said. "At the same time, she's strong. I've never met a stronger woman. I hope I'm like her when I'm 67."