Evelyne was born in Massachusetts to Knowles B. and Olive H. Lawrence on December 12, 1941 the week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She grew up in Needham, Massachusetts and spent many summers on Martha’s Vineyard. Later in life she attended the University of Michigan where she met both of her spouses David Barnard and Dion Van Irvin, respectively. Upon partnership to Dion she gained two stepsons Kirklund and Brian. A few years after forming, the family moved to Louisville, Kentucky in 1975 with their only daughter, Damara in tow. Their arrival in Louisville was quickly followed by the birth of Ira and youngest son Michael several years later.
Evelyne left behind quite a legacy of fantastic people in her children and grandchildren. Kirklund Van Irvin; Brian Van Irvin with sons Dominick (Kaden, Jeremiah, Ariah and Kensley); Marcus (Kazmir) and Derrick; Damara Van Irvin with children Maya, Will, Olivia and Leah; Ira Van Irvin (Ramona) with children Khalil, Malik, Jamal and AJ; Micheal Van Irvin with children Isaiah and Zoey.
In her lifetime she excelled in several professions including mail carrier, early childhood educator, elementary school teacher, real estate sales and appraisals. She was also blessed with artistic talent which she passed on to multiple decedents. Along with her artistic talent she shared with her family a love of the written word, sharp intelligence, appreciation of cultural diversity and heritage, a passion for argumentative discourse and a sense of justice. Her unique spark will be missed, but we all carry a bit of her essence with us.
Visitation will be 10 am to noon on Monday September 7, 2020 at Evergreen Funeral Home with the Funeral Service to follow at noon.
