Evelyn Vertril Washington, 78, of Welaka, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Community Hospice Bailey Center for Caring, St. Augustine. The daughter of Herman McMillan, Jr. and Mabel Jackson-Johnson, she was born on Tuesday, October 10, 1939 in Palatka. At a very young age, Evelyn was adopted and raised by Walter and Beatrice (Smith) Robinson. She was a 1958 graduate of Central Academy High School. On June 25, 1958, Evelyn was united in marriage to Willie Washington, Jr. and they were the loving parents of four daughters and one son.

At an early age, Evelyn accepted the Lord as her personal Savior. She was a longtime, former member of St. James A.M.E Church of Welaka where she served as a Sunday school teacher, stewardess, church clerk, program director, and building fund committee member. In August 2012, she became a member of New Life Deliverance Center, Welaka and served as an ordained mother of the church. She was also a member of the community prayer band, and visited the sick and shut-in.

Evelyn also was a longtime, former member of the Flossie Hopkins-Mann Order of Eastern Star Chapter and Daughters of Isis.

She served as a councilwoman on the Welaka Town Council for several years. After serving over 35 years, Evelyn retired from the Putnam County School District. She served as a bus driver and an Exceptional Student Education classroom attendant.

She enjoyed reading her bible and her hobbies included gardening, solving crossword puzzles, traveling and spending time with her family.

Evelyn was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Mabel Jackson-Johnson, Herman and Lillie McMillan; Walter and Beatrice Robinson; sisters, Eva Mae Butler, Glovine Howell, Patricia Johnson, and Nellie Mills; brothers, Cecil and Ralph Johnson.

Those who will forever cherish her memories: devoted and loving husband of 59 years, Willie Washington Jr., Welaka; daughters, Kathy (Glenn) Dames, Welaka; Carol (James) Sumpter, Jacksonville; Cynthia Washington, Welaka; and Karen (Eddie) Dorse, Palm Coast; son, Kenneth (Pamela) Washington, Welaka; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Cormeal Donaldson, North Carolina; Susie Crawford, Jacksonville; brothers, Alfred (Elizabeth) Johnson and Reginald (Joyce) Johnson, both of Welaka; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rose Wilson, Hallie (Willie) Everette, Alma Washington, Fort Pierce; Patricia Bolden, Richmond VA; Frances Walker, Crescent City; Larry (Georgia) Washington, Augusta, GA; godson, Ralph Brown, Welaka; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, March 16 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 17 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. Her son-in-law, Minister James C. Sumpter, Associate Minister, Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, Palatka.