We celebrate a life well lived with a 56 year marriage to her husband, Merkel; a 62 year career at Arkel International, and many years of faithful service to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through her local church (Brownfields Baptist Church and Zoar Baptist Church) Evelyn loved to travel and was able to experience many amazing places around the world with her family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merkel Smith; her daughter, Joni Coy Smith; her brother, Bobby Nelson; her brother, Don Nelson; and her parents; Chester and Rachel Nelson.
She is survived by her son, Kipp L. Smith, and daughter-in-law, Regina L. Smith; her grandchildren, Azia Smith (and daughters Remi and Nova), Britta (Cody) King (and children Liliana, Rosalie, Coen, and Archer), and Micah (Jeana) Smith. She is also survived by her sister, Willene Mire, and her daughters, Danielle Mire and Wendy O'Connor (and family); her sister-in-law, Pat Nelson, and her daughters, Melanie Weeks (and family) and Leslie Inman (and family); her sister-in-law, Ramona (Lynwood) Clayton, and their children, Wade Clayton (and family), Dawn Eubanks (and family), and Terry Gibson (and family); her niece, Rhonda Watkins Dyess (and family); and many other cherished members of the Savell, Nelson and Smith families.
The Family Would Like to Give Special Thanks to the Wonderful Staff at Timeless Grace in Carriere, MS for providing love and great care in Evelyn’s Final Days.
Friends are invited to join the family for visitation beginning at 2:30PM on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at First Baptist Poplarville, 203 S. Main Street, Poplarville, MS. A memorial Service, honoring her life and legacy will begin at 3:30PM.
A graveside service will take place at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 2:00PM .
