Honoring Legacy and the Journey of Evelyn Lynn Kirby.

Evelyn was born on December 24, 1943, to L.B. and Reail Lynn in Birmingham, Alabama.  Her parents told her that she was the best Christmas gift that they ever received. Evelyn attended the Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from East High School. She was the Salutatorian of her senior class, a cheerleader, sang in the school choir as well as a member of the French, movie, and the Future Teachers of America (FTA) clubs. Following high school, Evelyn attended Ohio University (OU) where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and became one of eight charter members of the Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated Epsilon Iota Chapter on October 5, 1963.

While following her mother’s instruction to make sure she continued to attend church at Ohio University, Evelyn met the love of her life, Kenneth Kirby, the first Sunday after arriving on campus.  Kenneth, who had already been attending OU, was on his way to church as well. He saw Evelyn across the street, noticed that she looked lost, and assisted her in locating the church that they attended together that day. The rest is history. They married three years later on January 2, 1965, and to this union their daughter, Kammie Lynnette, was born. They celebrated their 60th Anniversary this year.

Evelyn worked as an educator for the Cleveland Public School District for over 35 years. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and became a supervisor in the office of guidance and counseling after receiving a master’s degree in administration/Supervision from Cleveland State University. As a scholar, Evelyn earned an additional 98 credit hours at various universities. Evelyn’s continued love for children led her to tutor and become a Project Act coordinator supporting homeless youth within the Cleveland Municipal School District after retirement.

Evelyn accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Second New Hope Baptist Church and later became a charter member of Allen Chapel Missionary Baptist church. Evelyn moved her membership to the Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church and her final church before relocating to Owings Mills, MD, was Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. In addition, Evelyn regularly visited Sure House Baptist Church with her family where Aaron L. Phillips is the Pastor, and her brother Reverend Jacques D. Lynn Senior is an associate minister. She followed her mother’s passion for supporting her brother’s ministry by attending his numerous revivals and preaching engagements. Throughout the years, Evelyn served church communities in various roles as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, and volunteering in other church ministries as needed.

Evelyn enjoyed serving the Lord, being an active member of her sorority, exercising, traveling, bowling, being a member of Toastmasters, supporting others educational pursuits, and spending time with friends and family, especially her three grandchildren, Christopher, Kayla, and Caleb. Even though her grandchildren grew up in another state, Evelyn was always present to support their accomplishments and events in person. Evelyn had a quiet spirit, professional demeanor, and strong faith in the Lord. Her gentleness and love for all will never be forgotten.

In addition to enjoying loving relationships with her parents and two brothers, Eldrest and Jacques, Evelyn was particularly close to her aunt and uncle’s (mother’s sister and father’s brother) children, Hubert, Harriet, and Holly who were raised as siblings following the passing of their parents.

On July 30, 2025, God, in his infinite wisdom, called home his child, Evelyn Lynn Kirby.  Evelyn leaves to mourn her loving and dedicated husband of 60 years Kenneth Kirby; daughter Kammie Sullivan (Martin); brother Rev. Jacques D. Lynn. Sr. (Gloria); grandchildren, Christopher Sullivan, Kayla Sullivan, and Caleb Sullivan; brother/cousin Hubert Lynn; sister/cousin Harriet L. Freeman (Marvin); sister in-laws, Theresa Kirby, Carol Farris; brother in-law, Brandon Kirby and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Eldrest Lynn and sister/cousin Holly Lynn.