Evelyn B. Fish

Evelyn Henrietta Bellows Fish (affectionately known as “Dea”), daughter of the late William D. Bellows, Sr. and Nancy (aka Nannie) Saunders Bellows was born July 25, 1907 in Washington, DC. The middle of eight children, she was preceded in death by four brothers: William D, (Jr.), Percy, Clarence, and Chauncey, and three sisters: Violet B. Burton, Naomi Bellows, and Dorothea Hawkins.Her entire education was through the District of Columbia public school system. Fun loving and spirited, she loved parties, dancing, and family oriented activities. Shedelighted in unpretentious, humorous banter and reveled in flirting, teasing and joyous living. She was never seen without her gloves, hat and high heels. However, Evelyn took very seriously family commitments and her generosity was boundless. She was always "there" for family, friends, and even strangers who sought her out knowing that she would lend a helping hand or provide, even at sacrifice, monetary assistance. Throughout her early life she was an active member of Metropolitan AME Church of Washington, DC, joined the choir, taught Sunday School, and was conscientious in participating in full membership of this communion of faith. In 1926, Evelyn married William Andrew Fish. Of this union two daughters were born: Naomi Estelle Fish Small (deceased, 1991) and Sister Mary Virginie Fish, OSP (aka Ruth Willimae) of Baltimore, MD.Widowed in 1933 when her husband, a DC policeman was fatally shot in the line of duty, Evelyn took employment as a civil service worker in the U.S. Postal Service. She held this employment for twenty years, retiring on medical disability in 1953.Strongly attached to family and family values, Evelyn raised her daughters in an extended 'matriarchal family environment. She became the bulwark of strength to her family. She educated her youngest sister at Howard University, Washington, DC, and played a major role in renovating the family homestead. In an effort to provide the best education possible for her daughters, she enrolled them in St. Frances de Sales Boarding School, Rock Castle, VAIn 1946, encouraged by her eldest daughter, Evelyn and her son-in-law converted to the Catholic faith. She brought to this commitment the same intensity of dedication and support she had manifested all her life. During this period, grandchildren became the center of her life. She became the favorite baby sitter for grandchildren and numerous neighbor children. She soon became known by children and adults simply as "Dea” Her signature comment was “I’m going to tell your mother on you”…and knowing spankings were forthcoming, never did. Moving toward more independent living, Evelyn moved first to 4th & W streets, NW (right across the street from Lucretia Mott School that she had attended as a child. In 1982 she took an apartment at St. Joseph's Villa operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor. During these years, Evelyn found great pleasure in working with the Ladies of Charity as a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church, and participating in the senior activities sponsored by Shiloh Baptist Senior Center for the hearing impaired. After fifteen years, the insidious Alzheimer's Disease began to take its toll and she move to Saint Martin's home for the aged, the Little Sisters residence facility in Baltimore — closer to her daughter.Evelyn goes to a joyful reunion with her parents, brothers and sisters, her husband Bill and beloved daughter, Naomi. There is a grand reunion with her great-grandchildren Brian Small Jr., Charles (Chucky) Plummer, and Shad Scott-Parker. Evelyn leaves cherished memories to her daughter, Sister M. Virginie Fish, OSP of Baltimore, MD, Grandchildren: Sharon (Sherry) McCall of Alexandria, VA , Sandra Scott-Cameron (Jasper) of Landover, MD, Sheila Washington of Washington, DC, Spencia (Penny) Joyner (Danny) of Durham, NC, Brian Small, Sr. (Brenda) of Fayetteville, NC, and Sonja Krolik (Craig) of Troy, MI. She leaves a legacy of strong family ties and values to great-grandchildren: Keisha.Scott, Nikea Castillo (Shawn), Charisse and Cecilia Washington , Brian III and Raymond Small, Khya Tapp (Claybone) and Alycia Joyner, Justin, Joshua, Jessica and Jakob Krolik.. She leaves and eternity of faith, hope and love to great, great grandchildren: D'Juan Bishop and Kiera Steven-Scott, Tavionne and Tyrique Castillo and Terrianna and Azianea Naomi Small. She leaves assurances of continued friendship to her life long friend, Ms. Ella Gray of Washington, DC. And she leaves a void that can never be filled to a host of nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to pen.Be free, dear Mother. Now you can hear and see Unencumbered with aids for sight or for sound.Be free, dear Mother. Now you can laughUninhibited by fear of disturbing the peace that abounds.Be free, dear Mother. Now you'll remember names and faces and the blessings of life.Be free, dear Mother. Claim once again your youth,Claim again vivaciousness,Claim eternal joys of truth.I love you always,Your RuthACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWith gratitude, we wish to express our appreciations for your prayers, expressions of sympathy, and acts of kindness. Our loss is great, but we are comforted in the knowledge that so many care. May GOD continue to bless each and every one of you.,,,,THE FAMILY OF EVELYN B. FISH

Tributes

Evelyn B. Fish

July 25, 1907 - March 21, 2005