Mrs. Evelyn (Murray) Reynolds

Evelyn Murray was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 15, 1945 to the late Gertrude Murray and Marion M. Murray. She graduated from John Hay High School and attended college. She was proud to complete her real estate license and practice real estate in Newtown, Connecticut.

She was married to Ellis Reynolds for 40 years until they divorced in 2004.  She was a devoted mom to their three children, Erica Reynolds, Evette Reynolds (Ashley) and Evan Reynolds.  Evelyn especially loved her role of Nana to her three grandchildren, Mikaela Ashley (20), Mikal Ashley (17) and Devan Reynolds (12).

Evelyn will always be remembered for her giving spirit and her always present, signature red lipstick.  She loved her family and was a loyal friend. She was a published poet and songwriter and loved watching movies and sports. She also loved keeping up with current events and was very opinionated when it came to politics. She wrote the songs to the award-winning children’s gospel video, “He’ll Lift You Up”, she produced with her dear friend, Valerie Reed.

Evelyn joined Second Baptist Church in Evanston, IL on June 23, 1996.  She served as the Church Clerk from 2010 – 2012.  She was active in the Ladies Auxiliary, the Senior Singers, Women’s Ministry and Rites of Passage.  She served on many committees/task forces including the Beautification Task Force and Church Anniversaries.  She received the Sarah “Mom” Hawk Leadership Award in 2011.  This award is named for Sarah “Mom” Hawk, the wife of C. Nathaniel Hawk, Sr. the ninth pastor of Second Baptist Church.

In 2011, Evelyn was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and for those that knew her, not being able to drive and losing her independence was one of the hardest things for her. She loved getting into her car with her ‘Stay 39’ license plate and going anywhere she darn well pleased!

Throughout her life, Evelyn lived in Connecticut, Atlanta, Ohio, Illinois and traveled extensively to Hawaii, Jamaica, Alaska, London, Paris, Italy and the Caribbean.

Sadly, she succumbed to Lewy Body Dementia on May 22, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Her memory will be kept alive by her loving children, Erica Reynolds, Evette Reynolds (Ashley) and Evan Reynolds; grandchildren Mikaela Ashley, Mikal Ashley and Devan Reynolds; son in law Michael Ashley, daughter in law Malaika Reynolds; sisters; Dianne Whitaker, Gertrude Randolph; sisers in law, Joyce McMickens, Lillian Reynolds, Sherrill Wilson; brothers in law Lawrence Whitaker, George McMickens, Rodney Reynolds and James Randolph; nieces, Lori Noel, Kelly Hicks, Varissa McMickens Blair; Tenique Mathieu, Kyien Fox, Kimberly Fobbs; nephews Jeremiah Reynolds, Joshua Reynolds, Lamar Whitaker, Damon Jackson; Ellis H. Reynolds Jr. (former husband) and a host of cousins, great nieces, nephews and friends.

We would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to Pearl Goff, who was our mom’s longtime caregiver.

Arrangement entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillete - Funeral Director

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