Evelyn Wagoner

The first chapter of Evelyn Jane Wagoner's story began at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, where she was born to Robert and Dora Worley. Her father's Navy service carried the family on many adventures–from Bermuda to California–before they returned to Norfolk. Evelyn, an excellent student with a special passion for words and stories, attended Norfolk Christian School. Already, she was gathering the skills that would prepare her for a lifetime of writing. After graduating from high school, Evelyn put her talent for organization and communication to work. She learned phlebotomy, and explored various jobs in the Tidewater area before finding a position in the Christian Broadcasting Network's administration department. She worked in the marketing department for the architectural firm Waller, Todd & Sadler before taking the role of executive assistant to the senior pastor at Kempsville Presbyterian Church. There, her pen was put to good use editing and publishing practical theology for her church family.

One of her many interests involved composing love stories for newlyweds to read at their wedding receptions. As a romance writer, Evelyn championed the motto "Always expect a happy ending!" and she carefully shaped each marriage story to highlight the hope and happiness of the new couples. Her very own happy ending came when a friendship with Rod Wagoner deepened to love. She and Rod married in 2008. They loved traveling together–whether hot-air ballooning, exploring London, or driving a convertible down the Florida Keys or the Pacific Coast Highway. They also enjoyed hosting family and friends, with many gatherings made memorable by Evelyn's warm hospitality, her quick wit, and her trademark sense of humor. Evelyn and Rod's shared faith was a central part of their marriage. They attended Open Door Church in Suffolk and Kempsville Christian Church in Virginia Beach together, serving their church community with joy.

During her time at Kempsville Presbyterian, Evelyn's lifelong dream of being an author led her to start a group to encourage writers on their literary journeys. The Kempsville Presbyterian Writers Group met for the first time in 2004 and over the next twenty-one years grew into a vibrant community that welcomed everyone from seasoned writers to the creatively curious. Her famous purple pen crossed many a manuscript, sharing her editorial acumen and keen eye for detail. Yet it was her generous spirit, her ability to love and laugh and welcome others, that truly formed the heart of the KPC Writers. Everyone who walked through the door was part of her writing family. Evelyn was also active in her local writing community, serving on the board of Hampton Roads Writers, planning events, and welcoming attendees to their conferences.

Beyond her work with the KPC Writers and HRW, Evelyn was a gifted writer herself. Her book The Kulwicki Chronicles, a tribute to NASCAR driver Alan Kulwicki, was featured in the NASCAR Hall of Fame and beloved by Kulwicki's fans. Her debut novel, The Canary Cage, took readers to Guthrie, Oklahoma, where a small-town saloon becomes the center of intrigue, mystery, and ultimately forgiveness and true love. In addition to publishing under her own name, Evelyn also worked as a ghostwriter and editor, launching dozens of books into the world. Her passionate advocacy for new writers led her to start her own publishing company, Man In The Middle Press. The flagship publication was a writing anthology, Doubts, Dreams & Determination, that she compiled with the KPC Writers Group. Since then, Man in the Middle has published multiple KPC writers across different genres.

Writing wasn't Evelyn's only talent. She played piano and guitar. She also inherited her family's love of dance. Her father, Robert, was a dedicated modern western square dance caller and member of the square dancing community. Evelyn and her brother Matt grew up in the vibrant world of square dance, and both Evelyn's son Jeremy and her brother Matt became professional square dance callers. She helped organize square dancing events for many years, including the famed Sweetheart Weekend. She also enjoyed tap dancing, performing with Bobbi and Helen's School of Dance for more than eight years. Her bright smile and infectious energy made an impact on and off the dance floor.

Evelyn's greatest passion of all was her relationship with Jesus. She wanted everyone who crossed her path or opened her books to see His beauty and the transforming power of His love. Her hope in Christ was her anchor in every chapter of her story. She loved the promise found in Psalm 84:11–

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Evelyn's story has not ended. She is surrounded by those she loves, face-to-face with the Savior she loves, at the beginning of a new chapter in her forever home.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Rod Wagoner; her brother, Matt Worley; her son, Jeremy Butler (Jamie); her step-daughter Lori Vivanco (Daniel); her cousin, Betty Clark, and her "adopted sister" Sue Holmes (Clel), along with other extended family and many close friends considered to be family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kempsville Christian Church's Greater Vision Fund.

Kempsville Christian Church

5424 Parliament Dr.

Virginia Beach, VA 23462