Evelyn Mizell

Evelyn Elizabeth Mizell was born on September 8, 1928, in Magnolia, Mississippi, to the late Jake Gardner and Beulah Johnson Gardner. The youngest of 19 children, Evelyn's life story is a testament to her unwavering spirit and the deep bonds of family and connection that she cherished. Her journey began in the humble town of Magnolia, but her life's path took her on adventures and experiences that spanned over nine decades and several states. After graduating from the public education system in Magnolia in 1946, Evelyn briefly enrolled in college, a chapter that closed when she met a handsome, budding sailor named Harry Mizell. The two lovebirds married in 1951, and Evelyn embraced the life of a military spouse with resilience and grace, having lived in several different states. In 1956, Evelyn and Harry welcomed their one and only child, Esther Tasha Mizell, into the world. Along with her husband, Evelyn made her home in Mount Vernon, NY, where she resided for nearly 35 years. During this time, Evelyn was a faithful member of Allen Memorial Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Carlton C. Spruill. In 1993, seeking to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren, the couple moved to Decatur, Georgia. There, Evelyn found a spiritual home at Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain, GA. Sometime later, Evelyn was invited to New Jerusalem Words of Praise Church of God in Christ in Snellville, GA, under the pastoral leadership of Pastor K.E.W. Johnson-Wright. Evelyn fell in love with the church from her very first visit, causing her to move her membership to New Jerusalem Words of Praise where she served faithfully until her illness made it challenging to attend. The latter years of Evelyn's life were lovingly overseen by her niece and nephew, Georgia and Frank Armstrong, who provided care and support alongside the care Evelyn received at three nursing facilities over the past 11 years. Evelyn's ability to unite family members was unparalleled; her presence at family gatherings, whether punctual or fashionably late, was a given. But for her final appointment on the early morning of April 1, 2024, Evelyn was right on time. Hearing her Father call her name, she gracefully left this earthly realm. She leaves behind a loving legacy to be cherished by two grandchildren, Aaron Watson and Mercedes Cook, 12 great-grandchildren, nephew William Ellzey, and nieces Georgia Armstrong and Jessie Fisher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, daughter, Esther, grandson Jeremiah, all her siblings, and several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Evelyn's 95 years of life were a fulfillment of the scriptures, blessing her with 25 years beyond the promised three score and ten, during which she touched countless lives with her unpredictable humor, her steadfastness in maintaining connections, and her deep faith. Evelyn's memory will be a cherished treasure, profoundly missed and forever held dear in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, resilience, and faith remains a beacon for us all. Evelyn Elizabeth Mizell, born September 8, 1928, in Magnolia, Mississippi, to Jake Gardner and Beulah Johnson Gardner, passed away on April 1, 2024. The youngest of 19, she exemplified unwavering spirit and cherished family connections throughout her life. Evelyn's early years in Magnolia ended when she married Harry Mizell, a budding sailor, in 1951, transitioning to life as a military spouse. The couple lived across several states and welcomed their daughter, Esther Tasha Mizell, in 1956. Settling in Mount Vernon, NY, for nearly 35 years, Evelyn was a devoted member of Allen Memorial Church of God in Christ. The family later moved to Decatur, Georgia, to be near their daughter and grandchildren, where Evelyn joined Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain. In her later years, Evelyn moved her membership to New Jerusalem Words of Praise Church of God in Christ in Snellville, GA, under Pastor K.E.W. Johnson-Wright. Despite health challenges that led to her staying in nursing facilities for the last 11 years, her niece and nephew, Georgia and Frank Armstrong, provided loving care. Evelyn leaves behind a legacy through her grandchildren, Aaron Watson and Mercedes Cook, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry, daughter Esther, grandson Jeremiah, all her siblings, and many close relatives. Remembered for her humor, steadfastness, and deep faith, Evelyn's 95 years were a testament to a life well-lived, leaving a legacy of love, resilience, and faith that continues to inspire.

Tributes

Evelyn Mizell

September 8, 1928 - April 1, 2024