Evelyn Kilgore Hampton transitioned to eternal rest, Wednesday, August 5, 2020, comforted and surrounded by her loving family. Born September 9, 1947 in Cleveland County, North Carolina, Evelyn was the daughter of the late John M. Kilgore, Sr. and Ernestine Thompson Kilgore. We serve an Almighty God who blessed us with a beautiful woman of God. Her life was meaningful. She was loving, kind-hearted, a beacon of sunshine and inspiration to those whose lives she touched. Tomorrow, when the sun rises our beloved Evelyn will be in Jesus’ presence and she will be soaring with the Angels.
She graduated in the Class of 1965 from West Badin High School, Badin, North Carolina; and attended Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer, North Carolina. She was the “first” African American female to attend and graduate from Pfeiffer University. An educator, Evelyn taught reading readiness at Badin Elementary; and was the librarian at South Albemarle Library, Kingville in Albemarle.
At the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Evelyn did not sit on the sidelines, she rolled up her sleeves and began to fight for equal justice for people of color. Today, people of color can attend movie theaters in the Greater Stanly County Community because of Evelyn’s courage and steadfastness. In Shelby, North Carolina, she took part in the first Freedom March as part of the Equal Rights Movement. She was passionate about her endeavor and worked with others to create equal opportunities for people of color.
Evelyn was a member of First Baptist Church, Badin. There she enjoyed many church services and sang in the Spiritual Choir. She loved her family, and prior to her parents’ passing, she was caregiver to them. In her leisure, she enjoyed spending time with her family and doting on her grandchildren. Her favorite hobbies were solving cross word and completing jigsaw puzzles.
She was formerly married to David L. Hampton who preceded her in death. A son, Broadus T. Hampton; siblings: Dardanita K. Hampton and John Martin Kilgore, Jr., also preceded her in death.
Evelyn personified beauty and a life well lived. The lyrics of the hymn, “If I can help somebody as I pass along...then my living shall not be in vain”, embodied her character. Her smile, her grace will forever remain as a testament to her life.
She is survived by her daughter, Daune (Jeremichael) Steele, Charlotte, North Carolina; sons: David (Carla) Hampton, Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Anthony “Curt” Brooks, Albemarle; grandchildren: Latoree-ya Floyd, Paul Floyd, DeShaun McConnell, JaQuantis Stokes, Chrisean Hardy, Tajaizha “Jae” Hampton and Tracey Hampton; great grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Rita) Kilgore, Winston-Salem; sister-in-law, Joanne Kilgore, Badin; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Hampton, Concord, North Carolina ; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
“Good night dear Evelyn, sleep well. May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest”.
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