Evelyn Marie (Strong) Brown

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you...
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
-John 14:27 NIV

On Saturday, October 31st, 2020 our beloved Evelyn Marie Strong Brown peacefully entered into eternal rest in Richmond, Virginia surrounded by family. Evelyn was born on April 16th, 1932 in Plainfield, New Jersey to the late William Henry Strong, Sr. and the late Evelyn "Eva" Strong. She was one of four children. Her siblings included Shirley Strong-Bratcher, Elizabeth Strong, and William Henry Strong, Jr. all of whom predeceased her.

Evelyn spent her early years in Williamsburg, living in the Magruder community. She at-tended Bruton Heights School and graduated in 1950 after completing the 11th grade. Evelyn was an avid sports fan and was known for her skills on the basketball court during high school.

Evelyn met and married Mack D. Brown. From their union, the couple welcomed six children. Mack D. Brown, Jr., Maxine Randolph (Lewis), Dolores Coleman (John), Angela Gray (Michael), James Brown (Twandra), and Andrea Buford. In later years, Evelyn welcomed seven more children. Derek Brown, Gary Brown, Chris Brown (Shawnie), Eloise Brown, Vincent Brown, Shelby McDowney (Daniel), and Raymond Brown.

Evelyn was employed as a waitress in the 1960's and 1970's at Rexall Drugstore on Duke of Gloucester Street. She became a favorite of many customers. Her next work assignment took her to Walsingham Academy where for more than three decades she worked in food and custodial services. She also provided an array of domestic services to several Williamsburg families.

Evelyn, affectionately known as "Doll" to her family and friends, was a dedicated servant in her church. As a Christian believer, Evelyn joined Union Baptist Church. She served God faithfully as a member of the Adult Choir, Adult Choir President, President of the Hospitality Ministry, and member of the Missionary Ministry. She was previously honored as Mother of the Year and was selected as honoree for the Church Founders Day Observance in June of 2012.

A devoted mother, Evelyn made it a point to faithfully cheer on her children at local basketball, football games and track meets. Evelyn enjoyed cooking and willingly shared with others. She enjoyed the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas when family and friends would gather. No one that entered her home was a stranger. She welcomed everyone!

Doing crossword and word search puzzles was a love of hers. From 7-8 pm nightly, she could be found watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. She was a true die-hard football, basketball, and tennis fan. Sometimes Doll would stay up until the wee hours of the morning to watch Venus and Serena play a tennis match.

Evelyn resided in the Highland Park community for more than fifty-five years. She spent the last few years in Richmond, where she was living with family at the time of her passing.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her grandson, Carlis Frazier. She is survived by her thirteen children, forty grandchildren, and bonus daughter LaQuanda West whom she deeply loved. She enjoyed spending special moments fellowshipping with the "Golden Girls" Joan Jackson, Shirley Baker, Betty Phillips, and Corine Churchill and the late Beatrice Bailey. She also leaves to cherish her memories, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many caring friends.

Evelyn loved ALL of her family and friends and she will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon Friday, November 6, 2020, at Bethel Restoration Center. Face coverings and Social Distancing are required. A walkthrough viewing will be held on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Whiting's Funeral Home.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com

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