Evelyn Mack Scott

Our beloved Evelyn Mack Scott, age 93 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025. She was born to Rev. Daniel W. Mack and Mrs. Pearl Kimble Mack. From the age of seven Evelyn was raised by Rev.Mack and Mrs. Lurenda D. Mack (MaLou). A fond family story existed of Evelyn as a young girl in North Carolina. She would sit at the piano of a small country church to play a song, feet not touching the floor and sing like an old soul about the goodness of God to the delight of the Pastor, her father. This was the birth of the Music Lady who would bring so much joy to the family, the church community and friends.
Evelyn attended public schools in North Carolina and Virginia, moving often when her father was assigned a new church. She graduated from the North Carolina, Nashville County Training School, class of 1950. She attended the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College (NSU) two years, studying under Georgia Ryder and her husband Noah Ryder, a composer, arranger, and conductor known for his published arrangements of old African American Spirituals and piano compositions. Noah Ryder's influence on Evelyn was profound as she matured as a choir director and as she created her own powerful choral arrangements.
Evelyn attended the Maryland State College, Princess Anne Maryland, now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. While celebrating the 1955 Homecoming of Maryland State, the great actress Ethel Waters was impressed by Evelyn's vocal skills and invited her to sing later at a private event given for Ms. Waters. Evelyn often discussed this event as a highlight
and great honor in her life. Also, during her attendance at Maryland State she sang at an event for black opera singers that included a young Coretta Scott King. The event most remembered by Evelyn was her selection by the “ The Platters” to replace their female singer that was departing the group. She respectfully declined the offer of possible fame and chose to continue her teaching career, church work with choirs and a life as a devoted wife and mother.
Evelyn was employed by the Virginia Department of Education and shared her energy and compassion in multiple Virginia locations and districts. She loved her students and used music as a tool for learning about Jesus and Faith. Evelyn served as a Choir Director for several Virginia A.M E churches and churches of other denominations. She is known and loved throughout the State and her extended church community. Evelyn was endeared by all of her nieces and nephews, always the fun Aunt. Choirs were formed at every family gathering large or small. Soprano, alto, tenor parts were assigned to everyone and you knew immediately if you were not singing correctly.
Also, we will miss going with Evelyn to any location, restaurant, medical facility or grocery store where she would stop, smile and engage strangers, commenting on their clothing, their children and always being positive with the person.

Evelyn is survived by her cherished daughter and son, Johnella Washington and Charvetz Scott Sr. (Minako): five grandchildren, Jason Washington, Charvetz Scott Jr., Alicia Kelley, Misha Scott, and Chura Scott; four great grandchildren: Tyzon Burnett, London Washington, Kingston Washington and Ava Kelley, and one sister-in-law: Margaret Mack and several loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rev. Lewis E. Scott, her brother Daniel J. Mack Sr., her sisters: Beulah Johnson, Pearline Cornick and three nephews: Bruce Mack, Donnell Cornick and Willie Cornick.

Sister Scott knew and lived the words of Psalm 100:2 — “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” That is exactly what she did. She not only embraced this scripture as her life’s motto but also inspired countless others to do the same throughout the Virginia and North Carolina Conferences. At Emanuel A.M.E. Church, and every congregation she touched, Sister Scott served as a Spirit-filled teacher, encourager, and worshiper to the glory of God. A devoted life member of the Women’s Missionary Society, she also shared her gifts as Choir Director and active member of the Lay Organization. Sister Scott brought joy wherever she went, making her a delight to all who knew her. Her church and community will deeply miss her radiant presence, her joyful spirit, and her steadfast faith.