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Obituaries
Evelyn Edwards Smith
On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, Evelyn Edwards Smith left this life to be with Jesus, her Lord, and Savior. She was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Edwards, husband, John Smith, Jr., and sister, Louise Stewart. Although she and John never had children, she was a wonderful aunt and second ‘Mom/Grandmother’ to every child in the family – her nieces: Carla Brackin (Mike), Sandra McCrickard, Tina Stewart (Bernie), Ann Bowen, Linda Rigby; great-nieces and nephews: David Shupe, Jr. (Debbie), Carl Shupe, Brad Brackin, Corey Brackin (Angela), Evelyn McCrickard, Warren McCrickard (Rachel), Jason Stewart; great-great-nieces and nephews: Hailey Shupe-Dollar, Zach Shupe, Rosella and Sam Brackin, Ella and Joe Cronin, Eric Brackin; and great-great-great-nieces and nephews: Chloe Loehr, Nolie Gashlin, Meadow and Willow Broman, Ariana, Aaron, and Maverick Brackin. They all lovingly called her “E.E.”.
Evelyn was born on November 4, 1923, and lived most of her life in Newport News, Virginia. She graduated from Newport News High School and was a long-time employee as a ‘timekeeper’ at Newport News Shipyard. Her life was filled with love for God and her church family, her husband, and her family. She was a member of Northside Christian Church for 80 years. She was greatly loved by all but especially by those in the Galilean and Praymates classes. She lived out her service for the Lord in many areas – singing in the choir, teaching both adults and children, advocating for missionaries, studying with the Ladies Bible Study, being a member of KIT, and visiting shut-ins. Her love of God was evident in every area of her life and her desire was to help others. She set an enormous example and affected many lives. To say she will be missed does not begin to explain the loss her family and friends will feel but we all look forward to worshiping in Heaven with her.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 7 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 8 at 1:30 p.m. at Northside Christian Church, with burial following at Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be sent to Northside Christian Church, 1300 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.
6 Comments
Evelyn was a huge inspiration to me. I loved seeing her in the Praymates class. The lord has called home and I know that she is already in heaven. I will miss her.
Evelyn was the example of what a true Christian woman was. I had known of her in the church for a few years but only recently came to know who she was in Christ by attending bible study just a few times with her. I will miss her quiet demeanor and steadfastness and especially her example of what it looks like to love the Lord. Thank you Evelyn for setting such an example for me personally. You certainly glorified God every day of your life.
Evelyn was such a dear lady she taught me in Sunday school at 24th street in the late 40’s ,her and John would go on family picnics with us. She surly will be missed. Everyone that knew her loved her.
Evelyn was my “Virginia Mom” – she and John let me rent their upstairs during my 2nd year I taught at Northside Christian School in 1975-1976. They were a special couple, and Evelyn flew to KC for Steve’s and my wedding and served cake at our reception; then 30 years later flew to Carthage, MO to serve cake again for us at our “30th Vow Renewal” reception. I’ll miss hearing that sweet southern accent in her voice when I’d call…so blessed to have had Evelyn in my life – I’ll miss her! But I know she’s walking on streets of gold with her beloved John and all of her family and friends (and my folks her loved her as well) who went before her and are now in the presence of Jesus!
I will always remember how lovely a person she was to everyone. She will be missed.
June 28, 1969 Evelyn and John came to Richmond to my wedding. We had a house full of bridemaids and relatives. While dressing, I accidently tore my hose. Evelyn quickly went to the store and purchased me another pair of hose on this very hot day in Richmond. What a lady. I also remember great visits to my Granny Rash’s house in the summer. Joan Farley, Roanoke, Va.