Evelyn E. Kyler Nealy

Her Story

Evelyn Elzena Kyler Nealy

Sunrise:  February 12, 1954 ~ Sunset:  September 08, 2023

Evelyn Elzena Kyler Nealy, 69, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 08, 2023, at her home.  She was the sixth child of eight children and was preceded in death by her parent’s, Roamules E. Kyler and Lillian D. Rowe Kyler, her only brother Eugene Rowe, Sr., and sister, Katie Mae Hicks. 

Evelyn was born in Archer, Florida on February 12, 1954, and began her Christian journey at an early age at Shiloh Baptish Church. As a young child and member of a tight-knit family, Evelyn and her siblings rose early to work on the family farm picking tobacco and other crops before school. After graduating from Newberry High School, she attended Santa Fe Community College and graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a B.A. in Business Administration.

                Professionally, Evelyn was blessed with various positions including modeling for Wilson’s Department Store.  She was a salesclerk at Sears Service Center, running her own home daycare; then eventually worked in multiple roles for the state of Florida, for over 30 years between Alachua and Columbia Counties. Though always well-respected by those who she worked with and for, it was always known that her passion was for serving God and loving on her family. 

Evelyn was joined in holy matrimony to her high school sweetheart, Gary W. Nealy of Gainesville, Florida on March 3, 1973. Over the course of 50 years, Evelyn was a devoted wife, and amazing mother, tasked with rearing five energetic children while a military spouse, as her husband dutifully served in the United States Air Force. They were stationed in various locations including Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB) in Bossier City, Louisiana, Norton AFB in San Bernadino, California, McGuire, AFB in Wrightstown, New Jersey, and Ramstein AFB and Vogelweh AFB in West Germany.  After returning home from the military alongside her husband, Evelyn joined Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Gainesville, Florida where she was a trusted and active member for over 26 years while serving faithfully in several capacities including: President of Usher Board #1; Adult Sunday School instructor; and member of the Bible School Discovery Team. She was an Officer on the Trustee Board and loved working with the Outreach Ministry, serving the needs of the local community, with the monthly Food Give-a-way which was sponsored by the Women’s Missionary Society, as well as, serving on the Culinary Ministry, tirelessly giving of herself. This servant’s attitude was also demonstrated in her family’s charitable organization “Focus on Family Foundation” through annual fundraising for the American Cancer Society.

However, anyone who knew Evelyn knew that, after her faith, her family was her heart. Her love and devotion were seen in how she cared, doted, and supported all in her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, coworker, fellow parishioner, and friend with her words and actions of love and encouragement. Her pursuit to live according to God’s will and to lead by example in the Christian faith, was an awesome witness for those she encountered daily. This allowed Evelyn to be a blessing in a way that enables her legacy to continue forth through the lives and memories of others.

Evelyn was a woman of many diverse talents, including cooking, crocheting blankets, acting as hostess, and as an expert seamstress, she created custom scrapbooks, sewed clothing and her daughters' gowns for special occasions such as proms and weddings. In her many years of devoted care and love to her children and family, her most favorite times were when all her children and grandchildren would come together at her home. Her house was a haven for her 16 grandchildren and became a place of food, fellowship, and fun for them all.

Evelyn is a phenomenal, faithful servant of God who is beloved and adored by her family and community.  Gary Sr., Kimberline, Shaundria, Gary Jr., Ebony, and Chloe can rest assured that she is now at peace.

Evelyn leaves to cherish her memories:  husband, Gary W. Nealy, Sr; children, Kimberline G. Clark (Clayton II) of Greensboro, NC; Shaundria A. Campbell of Miramar, FL; Gary W. Nealy (Stephanie) of Jacksonville, FL; Ebony C. Bell (Leon) of Beltsville, MD; Chloe E. Nealy of Gainesville, FL.  Grandchildren:  Clayton J. Clark, III, Chayce O. Clark, Cana K. Clark, Cala A. Clark, Chancellor J. Clark, Armstrong Z. Campbell, Giovanni E. Nealy, Nya Rose Nealy, Alaya J. Nealy, Leon Z. Bell, III, Ely N. Bell, Eyan R. Bell, Tyson A. Bell, Ellyana N. Bell, Garyn A. Nealy, Izrael E. Nealy.  Siblings: Catherine Lewis, Sarah Kyler, Carol Valentine (Larry), Patricia Kyler, DeBorah Lamb (Michael).  Sister-in-law: Minister Susie Rowe Goddaughter: Imani Davis.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.