Evelyn Ishmael

Evelyn Ishmael, age 88, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Shands UF Health Hospital. Born on December 15, 1936, in Jacksonville, Florida, Evelyn was the daughter of the late Isaiah Stallings and Arcelia Crumby, and was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Minnie Stallings. She graduated from Matthew W. Gilbert High School, Class of 1955. Soon after, she moved to New York, where she married Robert Ishmael and together, they welcomed three children, Monique, Jacqueline, and Robert.

After 12 years of marriage, Evelyn and Robert divorced, and she courageously raised her three young children-then ages 8, 11, and 12-on her own. She worked tirelessly to provide for them, first as a Subpoena Clerk at the Bronx Criminal Court, and later as a Federal Investigator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. While working full-time and raising her family, Evelyn also earned her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts from the College of New Rochelle. She was a woman of strong faith, worshipping at Trinity Baptist Church in New York, and instilling in her children the importance of faith, perseverance, and education.

Evelyn's devotion to her family never wavered. She welcomed her first grandson, helping in his upbringing. Later, she was blessed with a granddaughter who became her "little buddy,". Upon retiring, Evelyn returned to Jacksonville, Florida, where she embraced an active life of service and fellowship. She joined First Baptist Church of Oakland, a congregation she deeply admired for its dedication to caring for seniors and its active role in the community. She especially appreciated her young and innovative pastor, whose sermons she loved. Evelyn volunteered at Duval County Public Schools, attended the Mary L. Singleton Senior Center, worked with the Board of Elections at the Kennedy Center, served as treasurer of the Matthew W. Gilbert High School reunion committee, and traveled both domestically and internationally.

She was a woman of quiet strength, enduring numerous health challenges with dignity and grace. Throughout it all, her children remained her constant source of love and care, supported by her devoted nephew, Tyrone Robinson, and niece, Barbara Tucker, whose thoughtful help was deeply appreciated.

On July 5, 2025, Evelyn Ishmael's health declined unexpectedly. Her nephew, niece and sister were blessed to visit her before her passing. Surrounded by her loving children, she was cared for in her final hours. Her family takes comfort in knowing she was deeply loved and never alone.

Evelyn will be remembered for her kind heart, infectious laugh, unwavering spirit, and her deep love for her family. She was an avid reader well abreast in politics/current events, she loved shopping, gardening, and sewing. She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women, she was a member of a women's club called the, LaFlares and she often donated to a variety of charities. She brought warmth and generosity to everyone she met. To her children, she was more than a mother-she was their hero.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Vernell Breedlove, Clarence Robinson, Roosevelt Robinson, Norman Robinson, Altamese Robinson, Haywood Crumby, Isaac Fiveash, and Hanna Hall; and her ex-husband, Robert Ishmael.

She is survived by her children, Monique, Jacqueline, and Robert; grandchildren Kephren Ishmael and Njeri Bowen; great-grandchildren, Evan Krug, Jamir Jones, and Dashawn Turner; siblings, Jerome Robinson, JohnnieMae Leslie, Joanne Peterson, and Levern Crumby; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends. Her love and legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.