Evelyn Hatch Davis

Evelyn Hatch Davis was born in Richmond, Virginia to John Turner Hatch and Virginia Mae Corker on October 7, 1935. She was from very humble beginnings, and lived life fully with her three sisters, Irene, Shirley and Sarah Lee. Evelyn excelled at school and became Washington-Henry High School Girls basketball manager. Following high school, she attended the Pan American Business School in Richmond.

Evelyn met the love of her life, George Lee Davis shortly after high school. She enjoyed telling the story of them together at Virginia Beach. When a friend chased her down the beach with a crab, and as luck would have it, the crab bit her in the buttocks! She said that George was so irate with the friend. She just knew from that moment that they were meant to be together. George and Evelyn were excited to start their lives together and the two were married in 1955. They began their lives together in Richmond, Virginia and welcomed their daughter, Vanessa the following year. Evelyn’s health declined, so a change of climate was needed. In 1961 with just a car and money provided from family and friends they moved to Arizona. Arizona was just what Evelyn needed. It was difficult without family and friends, but they joined Royal Palms Baptist Church and adjusted to their new home. Within a few short years, Valerie Dale, their second daughter was born and then a son, Jason Lee followed. Though their relationship wasn’t permanent, they remained good friends and spent time together. Valerie Dale passed away at the age of eight. George Lee preceded Evelyn in death in 2014.

Evelyn was employed with the State of Arizona, then at the Game and Fish Department, before moving onto the Arizona Attorney General Office as an Financial Investigator. One of her proudest moments was when she was selected to be on the nationally viewed television program “60 Minutes” for an undercover investigation. She earned her nickname “Grambo” from the moderator, Mike Wallace for her tenacity.

Though Evelyn loved crafting, and was an avid Arizona State Football fan, her favorite role was attending graduations, ceremonies, traveling and spending time with her family. She was overjoyed with all the accomplishments of her grandchildren, Natalie Childers, Jennifer Goodrich, Melissa Thompson, Victoria Davis, and Kyle Winer-Davis. She would often chat with her friends about them. Evelyn will always be remembered for her generosity towards her family and others. Who could ever forget Christmas Eve? When she would need assistance to carry in all of the gifts she had purchased everyone. Her bestowing was legendary!

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Proverbs 1:31 “Honor her for that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

A funeral service for Evelyn Hatch Davis will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Road. Following the funeral service will be graveside at 12:00 p.m. at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 719 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, Arizona.