Evelyn W. McKinnon passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2025 at 102 years of age.
Evelyn attended Sunday school at First & Central Presbyterian Church as a child and became a member in 1939. She served as activities director and secretary to the Primary and Senior High Department. While serving on the Board of Deacons—under the leadership of Moderator Bernard Taylor—she helped introduce the “Meals on Wheels” program in 1963. In 2003, she received a governor’s award recognizing her 40 years of dedicated service to the program.
Evelyn was elected an Elder of Session, where she also served as Clerk of Session and Commissioner to Presbytery. She was a member of the Board of Trustees and served as president of the Women’s Association, where she initiated noon-day lunches to promote Lee Dettra’s “Noonday Music Programs.” With help from other devoted members, she actively planned and prepared countless lunches, dinners, and receptions. Evelyn worked as a hostess for McCrery Funeral Home for 17 years, retiring in 1994. She was a proud member of the Green Hills Lions Club, where she became the first woman to serve as president in 1992–93 (and again in 2000–01). She received numerous local, national, and international awards for her outstanding service to those in need.
Evelyn was also a member of the Brandywine Conservancy, the Delaware Art Museum, the Historical Society of Delaware, Hagley Museum, and Winterthur, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Talleyville Fire Company. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas J. McKinnon, in 1969, and by her son, Rev. Thomas J. McKinnon Jr. She is survived by her son, William L “Beet” McKinnon; daughter-in-law, Suzanne; her grandson, Thomas III; her granddaughter Mia Koru; her great granddaughter Quinn; her great-great granddaughter Evelyn; as well as many step children.
Her son extends his sincere gratitude to the dedicated caregivers at Bayada Nurses and the many other compassionate aides that both my mom and I could not do without. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! A brief graveside burial is private but will be videotaped. If you would like a copy please contact: Beet McKinnon at 302-559-1113.
Donations can be made in Evelyn’s name to the “Ladies Auxiliary of the Talleyville Fire Company,” 3919 Concord Pike, P.O. Box 7062 Talleyville, DE 19803-0062
