Evelyn Bell Kent, born on April 19, 1944, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024. A devoted Christian and a member of Mount Harmony Church, Evelyn led a life marked by dedication, love, and service. Her professional career included roles as a guide on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a landscaper for the City of Lenoir, Piedmont Natural Gas, and a Physical Therapy Assistant. Evelyn earned a degree at Elon University and Masters at Appalachian State University. She was actively involved in the community.
She had a love of the outdoors, enjoyed hiking the Over Mountain Victory Trail as well as numerous other hikes and backpacking adventures. Her passion for service extended beyond her personal life. She was a Cub Scout Master for numerous years as well as serving on the Cub Scout Camping Team for the Piedmont Boy Scout Council. Her contributions to scouting were recognized with the prestigious Wood Badge Award.
She was a musician, playing the banjo in ‘The Hardee’s Gang,’ for 20 years playing music at Hardees as well as bringing music to nursing homes and retirement villages.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Alfred Abraham Kent, Jr. and Mrs. Lena Evelyn Kent; and sisters Sarah Smith and Mildred Kent.
Evelyn is survived by her loving husband Robert Watson, whom she married April, 19, 1980; her sister Annie Hellen Thomas; and her children Jacob, Lena, David Watson, and David’s wife Amber Watson. She was a beloved grandmother to Macy, Maya, Zane, Elsie, Sailor, and Rosie Kate.
Evelyn’s kindness, service, enthusiasm for life and commitment to her community will be remembered with deep affection by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held Sunday , September 29 at 1:00pm. A Celebration of Life follow at 2:00pm at Mt Harmony Church, 7967 Mt. Harmony Rd. Connelly Springs, NC 28612.
We will always remember Evelyn’s banjo playing at family get togethers through the years. My mother in-law and father in-law were great fans of the Hardee Gang and enjoyed their music and fellowship. Our prayers are with Bobby and the family.
My Sympathy, Judy Shepherd, member of Daniel Boone Chapter DAR.
I am so sorry to read this. She was an extraordinary person, very down to earth and unpretentious.
She was indeed a deeply committed Christian person and willing to do what ever needed doing for whomever needed her help. Her family was out standing and I hold her and the other Kent girls in high esteem.
Her Daddy brought me into this world 84 years ago!
We all love you, Evelyn! You were a special person with an incredible personality that extended to others. Rest peacefully ❤️
I am so sorry for the tremendous loss to her family, community and church. May God fill each one of you with an extra amount of His love and peace.
Evelyn was a precious lady and member of Mt. Harmony Church. She will surely be remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her. Prayers lifted on behalf of the family.
Pastor Ron and Paula Gregory