Evelyn Juanita Nevel (nee Cook), age 89, departed this life on May 22, 2024 after a lengthy illness.

Born the eldest of 5 children to Clifton L. and Addie Lee Cook in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on June 23, 1934, Evelyn and her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1941, where she attended Cleveland Public Schools, graduating from John Adams High School in 1951.

During her adolescent and teen years, Evelyn studied interpretive, modern dance at Karamu House, the oldest active African American theater and performing arts venue in the United States.

Evelyn furthered her academic education at Central State University and Lake Erie College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.

Evelyn made history as the first black, first female analytical research chemist for the Lubrizol Corporation where she dedicated 28 years of her career.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Evelyn was deeply involved in her community. She served as a deacon at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church and taught 4th Grade Sunday School. Evelyn volunteered extensively and served on several boards, including the Wickliffe Outlook Club, NOACA (Northern Ohio Area-Wide Coordinating Agency, Lake County Branch of the NAACP, City of Wickliffe Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Cleveland Section of the American Chemical Society, where she held the positions of Vice Chair and Secretary.

A passionate lover of jazz, cooking, and the fine arts, Evelyn enriched her own life and the lives of those around her with her appreciation for these fields. Her adventurous spirit took her on travels across Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, allowing her to experience diverse cultures and broaden her horizons.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, HErma and Bernice, and brothers, Clifton L. II and William.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Alan K. (Valerie) of Strongsville, OH; Grandchildren - Roslyn and Kadell of Dublin, OH, Chante of Ravenna, OH; Grandsons – DeVeair, Chance, Drexel, Levi and Daniel; Nephew – Anthony Davison of Portland, OR; Niece – Dawn Davison-Oliver of Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Great Niece – Shatia Davison of Cleveland Heights, OH; Great Nephew – Andrew Marks of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Bonus Son, Sidney E. Jones of Covington, GA; Bonus Daughter, Angela Jones of Euclid, OH; Bonus Daughter – Elise Malecki of Chicago, IL, and a host of friends, extended family and loved ones.

Her legacy of dedication to mentoring, community service, and love for the arts will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. If you would like to make a donation in her honor to America's oldest African American producing theater, please feel free to send your donation to Karamu House, 2355 E. 89th Street, Cleveland Ohio 44106 or via https://karamuhouse.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Orlando-Donsante-Previte Funeral Home of Wickliffe (440) 943-2466.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.orlandodonsanteprevitefh.com.

Karamu House
2355 East 89th Street, Cleveland OH 44106
Tel: 1-216-795-7070
Email: ctix@karamuhouse.org
Web: https://karamuhouse.org/