Mrs. Evelyn Laray Mills Daughtry was born on August 13, 1941 to the late Mr. Ernest Mills Sr. and Mrs. Margaret Mills. She was educated in the Norfolk Public School System and was a 1959 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School.

Evelyn dedicated her life to the Lord at an early age at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Evelyn worked tirelessly throughout her life in the church. Evelyn used her beautiful alto voice to sing God?s praises in various choirs. She had a heart of service and did so through the Women?s Missionary Society. Evelyn held various positions within the WMS on the local, area and conference levels. She deeply loved the fellowship of the WMS and it was a very proud day when she received her life membership status in 2002.

Evelyn was a lover of literature. She was a tenacious and avid reader. She had an impeccable sense of style; she loved beautiful shoes and magnificent hats and she wore them well! She had a bright and beautiful smile and a laugh that was contagious! She enjoyed cooking, shopping and movies, but her greatest joy, when you could find her smiling the most, was when she was surrounded by her family and friends.

On September 24, 1971, Evelyn was united in marriage to the Rev. L.R. Daughtry.

Early in the morning on March 1, 2016, while the dew was still clinging to the flowers and the day was still breaking, the Lord saw that Evelyn was tired and gently said to her "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." And so, she bravely took hold to the Master's hand and stepped out of time and into eternity.

Evelyn Daughtry was a loving wife. A compassionate mother. A proud grandmother. A loyal daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, friend and a missionary extraordinaire! Evelyn loved and laughed her way through life; living it to the fullest and turning each moment into a memory. She leaves to cherish those precious memories
a devoted husband, Rev. L.R. Daughtry, Adoring Children; Felicia Edwards (Rev. Percy), Brian Daughtry, Rev. Gary Daughtry (Rev. Barbie), Avis Brodie, Linwood Daughtry II, Licentuate Lynnette Barrett (Kelby) and John Patrick Daughtry, who preceded her in death., a sister, Mrs Patrice Ricks (Rev. Vernon Ricks), a brother, Mr. Ernest Mills, Jr., a special cousin, Otelia Clark (Roosevelt), 9 grandchildren; Kiaterria, Sheena, Cornell, Jr., Darian, La?Dashia, Justin, Malik, Brandi, and Paris. Brothers in law, Isaih, John (Ronda), Clifton, and Charles (Karola) Daughtry. Sisters in law; Louise Fuller, Carole Magwood, Alberta Barnes, Anne Franklin and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Viewing will be held from 4-7pm Friday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake. A home going service will be held Saturday, 11:00 a.m. at New Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, 1953 Campostella Road, Chesapeake. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.