Evelyn Bare Estes, 96, of Mechanicsville, departed this life Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, peacefully in her home.
She was born July 3, 1925.
She lived with her daughter and was surrounded by those who loved her. She was formally of Syringa in Middlesex County. She was known as Evaleigh to those who knew and loved her.
Evaleigh is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John C. Estes Jr.; her parents, Hubert and Elton Bare; her sons, Johnny and Gary Estes; her sisters, Mildred, Virginia, and Audrey; and her brothers, Billy and Junior.
Evaleigh is survived by her daughters, Karen Estes Bergdoll and Lisa T. Estes; and her daughters-in-law, Doris Estes and Sandy Estes; her grandchildren to whom she was lovingly known as Memaw, Katherina Campbell (Larry “Bubba”), Kimberly Smith (Jason), Elizabeth Paradis (Chris), Elaine Short (Tommy), Jessica Davis (Matt), William “Ricky” Gibson (Shauna), Mike Horkey (Courtney), Chris Horkey (Theresa), and Kimberly Smart (Mike); and 26 great-grandchildren.
Evaleigh was born in Roanoke, but grew up in Orange, where she graduated high school. She gained her Registered Nursing degree from Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in 1946. While in training she joined the World War II Cadet Nursing Corps.
Evaleigh married John, the love of her life, in January 1948. She worked many years with John’s business, Cavalier Transportation Co. She worked for Dr. Harold Felton for more than 30 years, where she was known for her gentle touch. She also owned Taylor’s Restaurant in Deltaville from 1968 to 1972. Evaliegh retired from nursing in 1988.
With her love for travel, she became a tour broker and started her business, The Dashing Cavaliers. Her and her husband took bus tours all over the United States, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. An annual favorite was her “Shopping Trip” to New York City.
Evaleigh was active in her church, Lower United Methodist Church. She was a member of Donna Chapter #179 OES. She served all offices, was past worthy matron and was the Eastern Star ambassador to Canada. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, an avid bridge player, and loved her special group of friends, the YaYa’s and the Huggers.
Evaleigh was known for her kindness to everyone she met and for loving and caring for those in need. She was an amazing cook and hostess. She was always a pillar of strength and gave her love unconditionally.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the Deltaville Rescue Squad, 17684 General Puller Highway, Deltaville, VA 23043 or the Hartfield Fire Department, 3309 Twiggs Ferry Rd, Hartfield, VA 23071.
A memorial service is planned for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 at Lower United Methodist Church, 120 Lower Church Road, Hartfield. Visitation with family precedes the service and will be at 10 a.m.
There will be no interment, as per Evaleigh’s wishes, her body was donated to the Virginia Anatomical Society.
