Evelyn Howlett Wray, affectionately known as “Snooky” and “Nannie” passed away at the sweet age of 90. She was reunited with her loving husband of 55 years, George L. Wray, whom she lost in 2006. Born in Virginia to the late, Floyd and Mamie Howlett, Snooky was the oldest of nine children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Audrey and Ann Bodner and brothers, Bobby “Sweetie”, Phillip “Jitter”, and Melvin “Sonny” Howlett.
Snooky worked as the cafeteria manager in several Norfolk Public Schools and continued her food service work following the passing of her beloved husband. She became the concession kitchen manager for The Venue on 35th, a storefront performing arts center. Snooky worked there for 8 years and became a beloved fixture for her infectious smile and open arms. She may have developed a larger fan base than many of the artists she served and loved. Snooky was a longtime member of Norview Baptist Church before her health prevented her from attending more regularly. She loved to camp and shared this passion with her Pinwheel Camping Group. Snooky also enjoyed coaching softball and she was an avid New York Yankee fan. She counted herself lucky enough to have attended a game in both the new and old stadiums.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Denise Phelps (Edward) and Patti Wray (Lucy); grandchildren, Thomas W. Phelps and Bonnie Talley (Shaun); great-grandchildren, Jerome Phelps, Madison and Haley Talley; sister, Janet Howlett, brothers, Floyd and Franklyn Howlett; and a host of other family and friends.
The family will receive friends at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 2 p.m. She will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens following the funeral service. Please visit her page at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com.
