Evelyn B. Kemp

Evelyn Kemp, born August 21, 1930, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, elegance, and devotion to family and community. She was the ninth of twelve children born to Edward Byron, Sr. and Susie Allen Byron. Evelyn met her beloved husband, Irvin O. Kemp (Savannah, Georgia), in Macon, Georgia while working as a dental assistant in the office of Dr. Dewitt Walton. They migrated to Washington DC in 1956 and shared a loving marriage until Irvin’s passing on April 5, 2020. Strong-willed and relentless in the best sense, Evelyn was a woman who stood firm in her values and lived life with intention. She loved children deeply and considered every child she cared for during her years as a dental assistant at Terrell Junior High School in Washington, DC to be her own. Evelyn had a lifelong passion for fashion, beauty, and shopping. Her shoe closets were famously overflowing, and she was always ready with skincare recommendations or style advice. In her younger years, she modeled with The Grace Del Marco Agency, which played an important role in redefining standards of beauty and professionalism and helped shape what would later become known as the “Black is Beautiful” movement. Evelyn’s work with the agency reflected her confidence, elegance, and belief in representation. She was a gifted letter writer, known for thoughtful handwritten notes tucked into every greeting card. A proud witness to history, Evelyn attended Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech in Washington, DC and remained a steadfast advocate for women’s rights and civil rights throughout her life. In later years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Legal Counsel for the Elderly where she helped seniors connect with LCE attorneys and social workers. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of her eye, and her love for them knew no bounds. Evelyn Kemp will be remembered for her resilience, her elegance, and her unwavering love for family. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Legal Counsel for the Elderly in memory of Evelyn B. Kemp https://www.aarp.org/legal-counsel-for-elderly/?msockid=284faee4080b60ff198abbef09bb61bc

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Evelyn B. Kemp

August 21, 1930 - January 26, 2026