Evelyn R. Waller

Evelinia ‘Evelyn’ R. Waller was born in Eleanor, Alabama on June 19th,1932. She was the seventh child born to Lott & Evelinia C. Reese. From this union seven children were born; Miles, Elliott, Tee, Hollis, Mary Magdalene and Onzie, and all resting in peace. Being the youngest girl of her siblings, God blessed her with a spirit of benevolence and kindheartedness. She enjoyed helping her mother take care of their home and did so with such attentiveness and responsibility. Evelyn later moved to Cincinnati, OH during the early 1950's, and worked at the Crosley Radio Corp. She later leveraged her God given talent as a Chef at the prestigious Maisonette Restaurant. In 1968, Evelyn relocated to Buffalo, NY where her oldest brother, Miles lived. While there, she would eventually marry her love, James Waller, until his unexpected passing. 

Evelyn would further her education because of her desire to work in the field of cosmetology. She graduated from Roberts School of Beauty Culture in 1972. After returning to Cincinnati in 1978, she launched her entrepreneurial spirit. Evelyn owned and operated two beauty salons; one in Buffalo, NY and the other in Cincinnati, OH. She continued to be industrious and would work for General Motors until the plant shut down production. She later worked for and retired from Wornick Company exemplifying meticulous attention to detail as a Food Inspector. With no interest in becoming bored or disengaged, Evelyn would work for Kroger part time, eventually retiring in 2007. Still vibrant, with no desire to slow down or as she affectionately described the contrary to “become lazy.” With God's grace and loving-care, Evelyn decided to help raise her adoring great grandchildren. She had an amazing way of making life "sweet," while baking delicious pies, and preparing incredible meals. She was warm-hearted as she loved to spend quality time with her friends and family. 

Evelyn was a devout Christian and a member of New Friendship Baptist Church for 30 plus years. She was a singer with the Queen City Harmonetts; and held membership and leadership roles with a sector of The Order of the Eastern Star. All of her social endeavors afforded her the opportunity to travel the country. Evelyn truly lived life to the fullest. She was ambitious, bold and took risks. She owned three houses in her lifetime and for an African American woman of her generation, home ownership was an enormous accomplishment. She was an incredible woman and freely loved, gave to others and appreciated a good joke or two. 

Evelyn’s pride and joy was her family. She leaves behind two beautiful daughters, Dacey Lamb of Columbus, OH and Onzie Minor of Atlanta, GA., one brother, Charles Reese of Selma, Alabama, six grandchildren, Michelee Lamb (Tony), Michael Lamb, Bridgette Redmond (Gary), Kevin Carter, Kelly Williams (Dwayne) and Brasia Minor, 19 great-grandchildren, 11 great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. She leaves a legacy of strong morals, Christian beliefs, and strong family values.  

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