Mary Evelyn Braswell Somerville was born on February 22, 1925 in Wilson, North Carolina, to Ezekiel Braswell and Mary Dickens. Two years later her sister, Parthenia Braswell was born. The family later relocated to Mt. Vernon, New York. Mary Evelyn, or Evelyn, as she was affectionately known, attended school in the Mt. Vernon Public School System and graduated from Ann B. Davis High School. In 1941,  Evelyn followed in her mother's footsteps and attended Shaw University, in Raleigh, NC.  She too received her Bachelor's of Arts in Education. Through the union of her first marriage to Harry Tucker, her first love and only daughter, Brenda Sharon Tucker, was born on March  5, 1947. Brenda, whom we all called Sharon, brought  more "joy"into the world. On September 16, 1967, Jocelyn Yvette Harrison was born, and has been a "joy" to Evelyn ever since. Unfortunately on September 4, 1976, Sharon's sun set. In 1961, Evelyn married the second love of her life, Joseph N. Harris. Evelyn and Joe adopted Jay Harris in 1967.  Evelyn was a diligent homemaker was devoted to her family and friends. Relatives and friends were always stopping to laugh,to talk, and to get a good meal. The Harris' truly were socialites. To those who knew them, they were  always out and about.  The Harris' could often be found on the beach, at a party, hosting a party, or attending a Potentate's Ball or a Shriner's Convention. They remained happily married, and had a happy life and always had a home full of love until Joe's his untimely death in 1978. Evelyn's role as a grandmother transitioned to that of a single mother to both Jay and Joy. Evelyn has been there for Joy every since, proudly watching Joy graduate with her Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University and helped Joy to pursue two Masters Degrees.  After Joe's death, Evelyn began teaching for the NYC Public School System and received her Master's of Science Degree in Education from Queens College in June, 1980. Evelyn was a dedicated second grade classroom teacher for over twenty-five years. She retired from the NYC public school system in 1991.  As an educator and community activist, Evelyn was a pillar of her community and was an ever present role model for all young women (especially her granddaughter) in the areas of religious morals, integrity, and education.

In the Fall of 1988,  Evelyn accomplished yet another milestone in her life. She became a member of  Chi Delta Omega Chapter of the illustrious sisterhood of the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Evelyn was always devoted to The Lord, which was displayed in the many years of service she gave to Calvary Baptist Church, in Queens NY. When Evelyn relocated to Hampton,Va., in 1992, she continued her dedicated service to New Jerusalem Church until she became a member of Queen Street Baptist Church.

We loved her, but God loved her best and HE knew her heart! Evelyn had the love and support of her family, friends, relatives and sorors. She leaves to mourn her husband Percy Somerville, her granddaughter, Joycelyn Harrison,"Joy" as she is called, "for she was truly a "joy" to raise". Evelyn leaves behind two nephews (of her predeceased sister, Parthenia Cheney) Curtis Michael Cheney and  brother Rodney Braswell Cheney (deceased), and a very special niece Carol Dixon and nephews Julius and Kent Middlebrooks , and a host of great-nieces & nephews, great-great nieces & nephews, cousins, sorors and friends. Evelyn had a great love of life. She will be most remembered first as a loving mother, and grandmother, devoted wife, "Diva Extraordinaire", talented cook, soror, but most of all dedicated and faithful servant.