Evelyn Wooley

EVELYN PURNELL WOOLEY, daughter of the late Jane Purnell (nee Ellis) and John Purnell, was born in Baltimore, Maryland in April 28, 1929. She blessed our lives for over 95 years and transitioned home on March 26, 2025. Family was always important to Evelyn. Born into a large family, she was the sixth of eight children and enjoyed time with extended family. This included trips to the Eastern Shore when she was younger, traveling to Philadelphia and New Jersey in the summers, and hosting holiday celebrations at her home. She married Doc Wooley and had two children from that union, Oglathia Herbert and Emerson Wooley. She served as the family’s matriarch being a constant presence of love and support. Evelyn received her education from Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Dunbar High School. She worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital before joining the U.S. Postal Service. After 32 years of service, she retired in 1995. Evelyn’s deeply rooted faith guided her. At an early age, she attended Christ Methodist Church and later joined Wayland Baptist Church at Franklin and Monroe Streets. Evelyn was baptized by W.W. Payne of Wayland Baptist. The church later moved to Dolphin and Eutaw Streets and was renamed to what is now City Temple Baptist Church of Baltimore. She was active in her church. At one time, she joined the Morning Choir and Sanctuary Choir. Evelyn truly enjoyed the Young at Heart Ladies. They attended plays, shows and other outings. She looked forward to their luncheons. Evelyn pursued her interests and hobbies while nurturing friendships and relationships lasting decades. She played triominoes, bingo, pokeno and other card games. She was an avid reader selecting books from different genres. She traveled the world visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Israel, Jamaica, and countries in Africa to name a few. She loved crabs. Her birthday became the unofficial kick-off of the season. Evelyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Oglathia Herbert, son, Emerson Wooley; four sisters, Mary, Ruth, Margaret and Jeanette; and three brothers Henry, John and Raymond. She leaves to cherish her memory: two grandchildren, Tricia White (Donte) and Karroll Wooley. Two great-grandchildren, Keith Major Jr. (Brittaney) and Kenyona Wooley; one great-great-grandchild, Londyn; one daughter-in-law, Naomi Wooley; and host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

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Evelyn Wooley

April 28, 1929 - March 26, 2025