Evelyn Brooks

Evelyn was born on February 28, 1932 in Bloomington, IL, to father Aaron Brooks and mother Martha Brooks, who predeceased her. She grew up in a large, loving family with one sister and three brothers. In college, she excelled in music and graduated from the University of Michigan, earning a Master’s degree in Piano and Organ music in 1952 and was Valedictorian of her class.

After college, Evelyn attended the Juilliard Conservatory in New York City and studied under Rosina Lhévinne. Classmates included Van Cliburn and John Browning. She later performed with the Philadelphia Symphony.

Evelyn lived in New York City, and worked for the famous furniture design house Knoll. While there, Evelyn met John Arthur Hyman. They married November 3, 1956, and relocated to Greensboro, NC. There the couple lived and raised their two children. Evelyn and John divorced in 1969.

While residing in Greensboro, Evelyn gained her private pilot’s license and participated in several continental air races. Her love of aviation took her professionally into corporate and private aviation, with Air Services Inc, also based in Greensboro. She was also a supporter of several air museums and woman’s aviation organizations, including the Ninety Nines.

Evelyn retired to Southport in 1994, where she played the piano and organ at the Southport Baptist Church, as well as Oak Island Presbyterian Church. She also performed regularly with the local musical ensemble, Sea Notes. It was a common sight to find Evelyn walking along the shore accompanied by her two shih tzus, Webster and Nicholas.

Evelyn is survived by her children, her sister Jeanette Hersey, her nephew Brian Hersey, her daughter-in-law Jill, and twin grandsons, Benjamin and Matthew and many other nieces and nephews.

Evelyn requested to be cremated. Her ashes will be scattered at sea.

The family would especially like to thank Lectoria Smith for her excellent support and loving care; the staff of J. Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital for their constant, attentive treatment; and the Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, for making the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Network for Endangered Sea Turtles at http://www.nestonline.org/

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, NC.