Evelyn Davis peacefully and triumphantly laid down her cross in exchange for a crown of eternal life on Wednesday May 12, 2021, at 5:15 p.m. in the comfort of her home.
Evelyn was born January 15, 1944, in Hartsville, South Carolina. She was one of seven children, and the oldest of twins born to the late Leroy and Mattie Coleman Davis. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by siblings: Leroy Jr., James (Mary Elle) Lucy, and Howard (Ruby).
Being raised in a Christian home, at an early age she was baptized and united with the New Hopewell Baptist Church in the Byrdtown Community of Darlington County. It was there that a life-long journey as a follower of Christ began.
Her early education was obtained in the schools of Hartsville, SC where she graduated the salutatorian of her class from Butler High School in 1961. After completing her secondary education, she entered Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD from which she earned a Bachelor’s Degree.
Evelyn would make Baltimore her permanent home where she developed a passion for civic and community engagement. She was a long-time member of the NAACP and was actively involved with the city’s Community Relations Commission from 1975-1999. She also served a 10-year tenure with Baltimore’s Foster Care Review Board. Additionally, she was a member of the Hanlon Community Association, and volunteered at the Hilton Elementary School in her neighborhood.
True to her commitment to live a Christin life, she regularly attended mid-week worship services at the New Psalmist Baptist Church where she became a member in the early-1980s under the pastorate of the eminent Bishop Walter S. Thomas. Because of her outgoing and infectious personality, Evelyn became well-known in the popular 100-year-old church with 7,000 members. For over 35 years, she was recognized as president of the church’s Comfort Choir. She remained a faithful member, especially to the Wednesday mid-week service where she began, until death.
Evelyn was a regular personality on Radio Station WITH 1230 as part of her work with Baltimore’s Weekly Community Outreach Program. Her show was dubbed “Captive Audience”. After her retirement, she was in frequent attendance at Baltimore Ravens football games and major concerts as part of her post-retirement work with S.A.F.E. security agency.
Because of her keen interest in genealogy, Evelyn explored her family’s roots, and helped designed her family’s massive Coleman Family Tree. In addition to the Coleman Family, she also researched and shared information about the Davis, Graham, and McCall branches of her family lineage.
Evelyn’s dedication to her high school alma mater was evident through her regular attendance at the Butler Heritage Foundation reunions, and support of its various programs.
Evelyn’s legacy of commitment to Christ, Family and Community will be cherished by her daughter, Deridra Davis Burden, Philadelphia, PA; grandsons, William Ernest Davis Burden, Myles Davis Burden and Robert Gregory Davis Burden, all of Philadelphia, PA; brothers Edward (Tommie) Davis, Hartville, SC and Elder Willie (JoAnn) Davis, Jacksonville, FL; uncle, James (Dorothy) Coleman, Baltimore, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other close relatives and friends. She had special relationship with Cousins Joyce Alexander Paula Tyler and Gregory Tyler.
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