Evelyn Clements Lancaster Papa
April 30, 1923 – July 14, 2021
PAPA, EVELYN CLEMENTS LANCASTER passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the age of 98. Evelyn was born April 30, 1923 in Powhatan, VA, one of eight children, to Willis and Mable Clements. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Mario Papa; her husband of 26 years, Wallace E. Lancaster; and her son, Kenneth W. Lancaster. She is survived by her son, Wallace E. Lancaster, Jr. (Vicki); former daughter-in-law (who was more like a daughter) Luanne Smith; two grandsons, Ryan A. Lancaster (Angela) and Daren E. Lancaster (Susan); one granddaughter, Dakota Beach (Robbie); nine great-grandchildren, Anderson, Stella, Everly, Ella and James Lancaster, Celestia, Kevin R., III “Spike,” Jorja and Elias Beach; two step-grandsons, W. H. “Marc” Marcuson III and R. Scott Marcuson; one step-granddaughter, Laura Marcuson McKenney (Tom); 22 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Evelyn worked at DuPont during World War II. She married W. E. “Wally” Lancaster in 1944. They bought their first home on Chase Street where they welcomed their two sons. They bought their second home on Durvin Drive in Cavalier Park in 1959, where they lived and continued raising their two sons. Evelyn lived there for 61 years. She had the ultimate “green thumb.” Her yard was a floral showcase. She was a member of the Cavalier Park Garden Club, where she served as President for several years.
After the children were grown, Evelyn went to work for Henrico County where she managed the cafeteria at Skipwith and Jackson Davis Elementary Schools until she retired in 1988 with 25 years of service.
She was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church for over 78 years.
Evelyn was an excellent cook and homemaker. Her home and family meant everything to her. Her door was always open to friends and family at any time, day or night, especially during the Holidays. You knew you were going to be welcomed with open arms and were guaranteed to be served something homemade and delicious. We all loved her and will miss her dearly.
A special thank you to the staff and nurses at Spring Arbor of Richmond Assisted Living Community and at The Cottage Memory Care Unit. We would also like to thank all the nurses of At Home Care Hospice for their love and compassion. A special thanks to Carole and Darlene for their weekly visits.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 8 pm Tuesday, July 20th at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. A Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am Wednesday, July 21st at St. Bridget Catholic Church. Interment to follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
The members of Henrico Retired School Personnel Association extend their condolences to the family of Evelyn Papa and our appreciation for her many years of service to students and staff.