Evelyn Saunders Wood, 60, of Hampton, VA, passed away peacefully at Riverside Hospital on December 15, 2024, following a courageous 3.5-year battle with cancer.
Born in Hampton, VA, Evelyn was the beloved daughter of Charles and Lena Saunders. Her life journey took her across the United States, living in Elizabeth City, NC; Barbers Point, HI; and El Segundo, CA, before returning to Hampton. She dedicated 20 years of service to Riverside, first as an OR technician and later in materials management, before retiring.
Evelyn will be remembered as a fun, happy, and vibrant person who had a deep love for traveling, making new friends, and cherishing her family. She was deeply faithful and a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. In 2000, she found her soulmate, Alan Wood, and the two married in 2004. Alan remained by her side through all of life's challenges and joys.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Edward Ray and Joseph Allen Taylor. She leaves behind her loving husband, Alan Wood; her daughters, Karen Yarley (Stephen) and Diane Ladera (Rolando); her sister, Brenda Thomas; her brother, Frank Taylor (Billie); and her cherished grandchildren, Alexis and Aaron Yarley. Evelyn also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Her love of cats was well-known, and in her memory, the family requests that any memorial contributions be made to a cat charity of your choice.
Per Evelyn's wishes, there will be no public service. Arrangements are being handled by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, and the family will gather privately at a later date to celebrate her remarkable life.
Evelyn's warmth, joy, and enduring love will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.