Evelyn Smaw Turner, the daughter of the late John Alfred and Maggie Wilkins Smaw, was born in Northampton County, Virginia. On Sunday, July 12, 2009 she answered the call of her Heavenly Father after fighting a good fight. She was predeceased by one brother, Alfred Smaw.

Evelyn received her elementary and secondary education in the public school system in Northampton County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Maryland State College and did further studies at Virginia State College and Old Dominion University. Evelyn retired from the Northampton County Public School System as an English Teach after 33 years of teaching.

Evelyn was a very service-oriented person giving her best in whatever she did, even when her health was beginning to decline. She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and joined African Baptist Church in Cheriton, Virginia where she served in many capacities of leadership. She was secretary of the Virginia/Maryland Baptist Association, president of the Deaconess Board and Trustee Union, President of the Chancel Choir and Choir #1, first woman appointed to serve as a Trustee and church clerk for over 39 years after serving as assistant clerk for 16 years. She was honored in 2007 upon her retirement from clerk for her many, many years of dedicated, loyal service to African Baptist Church.

Evelyn shared community and civic concerns through her involvement as a member of the United Order of Tents, her service as Deputy of the Tents on the Eastern Shore and as president of the Cosmos Club. "El", as she was lovingly called by her husband and Grandma El by the grandchildren will be sadly missed by all. She leaves to treasure sweet memories, her husband of 29 years, Lynwood, a brother, Charles (Evelyn) of Winchester, VA; three step-children, Kathy Bailey (Charles), Doris Hubart (William) both of Cheriton and Lynwood, Jr. (Leah) of Williamsburg, VA; nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren that she enjoyed during her retirement, Jerry, Tommy, Jyashia and Sparkles; three nephews, one niece, one aunt, Mrs. Eva Watson of Cape Charles, Virginia, other family members, dear friends and the entire African Baptist Church Family.