Evelyn Waldrop Engel, 93, of Charleston, South Carolina, widow of Herbert A. Engel, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, December 30, 2020. A private graveside service will be held in Emanu-El Cemetery (Maryville). Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.
Evelyn was born June 22, 1927 in West Columbia, SC, daughter of the late John Gaylord Waldrop and Mary Nettie Davis Waldrop. She is survived by her daughters, Debra Engel (Newton Klements) of Charleston, SC and Carla Engel-Cook (Steve) of Marietta, GA; two grandchildren, Henley and Jameson "Jake" Cook; four step-grandchildren: David and Rebecca Klements and Jill and Mike Dinerman; and four step-great-grandchildren: Carlee and Reed Klements and Tahli and Emery Dinerman. She is also survived by a large extended family who cherished her for her caring ways, her generosity and her famous cheesecake.
Evelyn received a R.N. degree from SC Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Columbia, SC. She started her career in Charleston working for Roper Hospital. She later went on to work for Home Health Care. Evelyn was a true Florence Nightingale and would spend hours (most on her own time) with her Home Health Care patients. Evelyn was a tireless worker for Synagogue Emanu-El Sisterhood, Hadassah, the Council of Jewish Women and ORT, where she was loved. Evelyn served on the Chevra Kadisha committee at her synagogue and also handled the Emanu-El Grams for many years. Evelyn received the "Women who made a Difference" award in 1999, 2005 and 2011. She was also awarded the "Light of Torah" award in 2002 at the Southern Branch of Women's League for Conservative Judaism conference in Atlanta, GA. Evelyn's greatest pride, however, was founding the Charleston chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF). In an abundance of lover for her great-nephew who was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes as a young child. Evelyn set about finding a cure. When she discovered that there was no local JDF chapter in the Charleston area, Evelyn fearlessly founded a chapter in 1974 and served as president for many years. The JDF Lowcountry Chapter honored Evelyn in 2002 with the "Living and Giving Award" for her continued commitment to improving the lives of those with Juvenile Diabetes. Evelyn was loved by anyone who knew her and she will be greatly missed.
The family would also like to thank Evelyn's caregivers (many of whom have worked with the family for over fifteen years): Gwen King, Martha Williams, Edna Frasier, Tasia Woodward, Janee Covin and Loretta Scott.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Synagogue Emanu-El, Memorial Fund, 5 Windsor Drive, Charleston, SC 29407.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.