Evala enlisted in the Navy weeks after the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor on December 11, 1941 (World War II). She was of a unit of the U.S. NAVY Reserve (WAVES) Woman Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. Evala was in charge of Communication of two bases.
In 1957, she married Paul F. Nevers, a Veteran of the Merchant Marines who served in World War II, as she did. Evala loved to tell many stories from this time period.
They moved to Naples this same year, where Paul built several Golf Courses in the area. His last was Big Cypress Golf Course which later was named Country Club of Naples. This is where Paul and Evala bought their home and settled in to raise their family.
Evala was a Girl Scout leader in Naples for 40 years. She was devoted to teaching young girls to work toward their goals with honor of themselves and to others. Evala received many honors and rewards throughout those years but the most rewarding was helping her girls to set goals and to achieve them. (The honors she received during that time span include; leader of the year award, volunteer of the year award, 1rst Green Angel award in the Gulf Coast Council (one of eight), 1rst of 2 National Honor Pins, a National Thanks Badge, a second National Thanks Badge.) Evala helped many girls receive one the highest national awards given, the Gold Award and the God and Community Award. Thirty of those years were as an G.S. Adult trainer.
Evala’s troops did not sit idle, they visited destinations from the Bahamas to watch Haley’s Comet to meeting up with other girls Scouts throughout the World at “Our Cabana” retreat in Mexico. They helped in many community projects plus not to mention the many camping trips, including a time period when camping was allowed on Naples beaches.
All of this was volunteer work. Evala knew that if she could make a difference in each child she helped, that alone would be her reward. Over the years many of her girls whos hearts she had touched have come back to Thank her for the love and guidance she gave.
Evala earned the highest Girl Scout honor in the Nation receiving recognition from President Ronald Reagan.
The next Love of her life besides her family was fishing. (This trumped her love of silk flower buying). Just this past year on April Fools day at a young age of 97, she was out there fishing. Can’t hear, can’t see but she could feel that line and the fight was on.
Proceeding her in death was husband, Paul F. Nevers, daughter, Jennifer Nevers, Father, William Dais, Mother, Reba Dais, sister, Vivian Dais, and son-in-law, Sonny Delapena.
This past year was one of sadness due to the loss of one of Evala’s daughter’s (Jennifer). Evala’s heart was broken. Evala is now at peace and with her daughter Jennifer.
Survivors include daughters Melodee Ann Nevers, San Carlos, FL and Suzanna Jean Delapena, Naples, FL, granddaughter Samantha Delapena and grandson Tony Delapena of Estero, FL, Wilma Russell of Texas and Nancy Dais of Toledo, Ohio.
A funeral service to celebrate Evala’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. with visitation starting at 12:30 on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at Hodges Funeral Chapel at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL, 34108, followed by the burial service with military honors at Naples Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers please give to your favorite charity.
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