Age 104, Harrisonburg, Va.
On June 2, 2025, Evelyn Markle Earl’s earthly life ended and her family now rejoices that she has been reunited in heaven with her beloved husband John and those that have gone ahead. Evelyn was born in Stewartsville, N.J. in 1920 to Emanuel and Edith Reed Markle. She was the youngest of three children. Evelyn married John Bouton Earl in 1944 after he had graduated from seminary and received his first call. Over the next 69 years, they were a true team, serving churches in N.J., N.Y., Pa. and upon retirement, interims in Virginia and one in W.Va.
Evelyn devoted her time and energy to not only raising their three children but also enjoying the opportunity to support her husband in his ministry. She enjoyed getting to know people, being involved in the life of each church and forming lifelong friends. She was a member of the Presbyterian Women, member of Priscilla fellowship, numerous Circles, BSF Bible Studies and held numerous leadership roles.
A graduate of Churchman’s Business School in Easton Pa., she worked as a bookkeeper until her marriage. During the 1960’s, she served as the office manager at the United Way of Huntington, N.Y.
Upon leaving the active ministry, they retired to their cottage at Massanetta Springs in Harrisonburg Va. In 1999, they moved next door to Sunnyside Retirement Community where they were very active within their community.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her sister, Esther Segreaves/Jones and brother, David Markle. She is survived by her daughter, Faith (Leif) Carlson of Luray, Va.; son, Dr. John (Nadja Sefcik) Earl of Wilmington N.C., and daughter, Rev. Tempe (Curtis) Fussell of Clyde, N.C. Her presence will also be missed by her grandchildren: Majken (Keith) Whitaker of Old Church, Va., John Erik (Cherish) Carlson of Chesterfield, Va., Calee (Peter) Wylie, of Raleigh, N.C., Hannah Fussell of Harrisonburg, Va., Robert Fussell of Los Angeles, Calif., Rachel (Kelly) Murphy of British Columbia, Canada, Mackenzie (Matt) Sawyer of Wrightsville Beach, N.C., and John Thomas Earl of Charlotte, NC. as well as great-grandchildren, Evan and Erik Whitaker, Jaxson and Skylar Carlson, Mara and Johnny Wylie, and Tyce and Ash Sawyer.
The family is grateful for the attentive care provided by the Sunnyside staff in both Assisted Living and later Healthcare. A graveside service will be conducted at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025. A celebration of Evelyn’s life will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, when she would have turned 105 years of age. The time will be announced once determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Massanetta Springs Camp Conference Center, 712 Massanetta Springs Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 or Sunnyside Retirement Community Fellowship Fund, 600 University Boulevard, Suite L Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Arrangements are being handled by the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton, Va.
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