On Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, our all-wise and all-knowing God called our precious wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to her eternal rest. She was born to the late Charlie and Phyllis Anne Rodger on Sept. 26, 1937, in Barnwell, N.C. (Craven County). She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1955.

In 1959, Evelyn married Melvin Smith Sr., and from this union three children were born.

In 1999, after retirement, Evelyn relocated to Suffolk, and in 2001 she joined Gethsemane Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess.

She was preceded in death by her son, Barry L. Smith, and her two sisters, Lossie Daniels and Ada Newsome.

Evelyn leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Melvin Smith Sr.; daughter, Kim (Allen) Tuner; son, Melvin Smith Jr.; grandchildren, Ebony (Silas) Christian, Brandon and Whitney Pollard, Sasha and Alon Hatch; three great-granddaughters, three great-grandsons, six brothers, Anthony, Charlie Jr., Willie Mack, Joseph, El Ray and Johnny Rodgers; four sisters, Gloria, Phyllis, Nettie and Audrey; a very special friend, Willie M. Sommerville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ms. Smith’s visitation will take place from noon to 5 p.m., and a wake service will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at the funeral home. A celebration of life service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at Gethsemane Baptist Church, and she will be laid to rest at the church cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy and flowers may be extended to the family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com.

Professional services are entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home Inc.