Evelyn Delores Harper

Evelyn Delores Harper was born on February 12, 1933, in Camilla, Georgia, to the late Paul Daniels and Laura Billingslea. A proud graduate of Camilla Consolidated High School, Evelyn pursued her passion for caregiving by studying nursing at Albany State University. She was a strong, soft-spoken, and deeply loving woman of God - kind to everyone she met and always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need.

In 1953, Evelyn moved to Newark, New Jersey, where she met the love of her life, Rudolph Harper of Westfield, NJ. They were united in holy matrimony on October 5, 1957. Their union was blessed with two daughters: Cheryl Lynn and Evelyn Denise.

In 1975, Evelyn relocated to New Brunswick, New Jersey, and became a devoted member of Bible Way Greater Full Gospel Church under the leadership of District Elder R. Ford and Mother Lillian Ford. She was baptized in Jesus’ name, filled with the Holy Ghost, and served faithfully on the Gospel Aires Choir and Usher Board.

With her children grown, Evelyn returned to school in 1979, enrolling at East Brunswick Vocational and Technical School. She earned certifications as a Geriatric Aide III and Nursing Assistant II. She served the elderly with compassion at Jewish Homes in Piscataway before transferring to Parker Nursing Homes in New Brunswick, where she worked until her retirement in 2000.

Evelyn’s zest for life blossomed in her retirement. She embarked on her first Royal Caribbean cruise and quickly discovered her love for travel. Over the years, she journeyed on more than a dozen cruises throughout the Southern, Eastern, and Western Caribbean, visiting destinations including Aruba, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, and Canada. Her adventures also took her to Europe, where she explored France and Belgium.

When not traveling, Evelyn cherished spending time with her family—cooking for holidays and gatherings, dining at her favorite restaurant Shady Maple (the “World’s Largest Buffet”), or simply enjoying the joy of each other’s company. A true fashionista, she was always impeccably dressed—her shoes matching her suit, her suit matching her purse, and all completed with a perfectly coordinated hat.

Evelyn was a devoted member of Community Refuge Church of Christ under the leadership of Bishop Fred Rubin, Lady Theresa Rubin, and Assistant Pastor Elder Barry Williams. She lent her voice to the Women’s Choir and Community Refuge Church Ensemble and was a dedicated member of the Missionary Board.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rudolph Harper; her mother, Laura Billingslea; and her father, Paul Daniels.

She leaves to cherish her memory:

-  Her daughters: Cheryl Brown (Gerald Sr.) of Belle Mead and Evelyn Capps (Dinnon Sr.) of Willingboro

-  Grandchildren: Danielle Brown (East Brunswick), Jessica Montgomery-Brown (Kevin Sr., Hillsborough), Gerald Brown Jr. (Flemington), Chayna Capps (Clementon), Chelsea Watts-Brown (Tyler, Philadelphia), Destiny Capps (Ft. Carson, CO), Dinonn Jr. (Delran), and Jamad (Willingboro)

-  Great-grandchildren: Jacob Guillen-Brown, Jourdyn Brown, Kevin Montgomery Jr. (KJ), Jailynn Brown, Charlee Watts-Brown, Jamad Jr. (JJ), and Chanel Watts-Brown

-  Nieces and nephews: Doris Sharpe (Ron), Vanessa Harper, Celestine Culver, Alice Hawkins (John), Clif Pettus Jr., Elizabeth Pettus, Rachel Cherry (Robert), Jonathan Pettus, Gad Pettus

-  A host of other cherished great-great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends

-  Her lifelong best friend and sister in spirit, Mother Helen Williams, and the Williams Family

Evelyn’s greatest legacy is her unwavering commitment to faith, family, and love. She taught us to cherish one another, to spend time together creating lasting memories, and most importantly, to live a Christ-centered life. We honor her by carrying forward her values—faith, unity, love, and the joy of family.

We will forever hold you in our hearts, dear Mother, Grandma, Nanny, and Nana.