757.628.1000

Evangeline R. Gambrell


Sunrise: March 16, 1943

Sunset: December 8, 2020

Evangeline Rosetta Rhem Gambrell (77), of Norfolk, Virginia, also known as “Van”, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. She was born in New Bern, North Carolina on March 16, 1943 to James Arthur Rhem and Eleanora Sessoms (both deceased).

Van attended Lindenwood Elementary School, David G. Jacox Middle School, as well as Booker T. Washington High School, all located in Norfolk, Virginia.

Evangeline was first employed at Bon Secours DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia as a CNA. She later worked as a private duty caregiver. Her last employment was with Hope House Foundation in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she retired.

She attended Way of the Cross Church in Norfolk, Virginia, under the tutelage of Bishop Lewis E. Hines, and served as one of the Mothers of the Church.

Evangeline married Robert Hoover McKoy, Jr. of Norfolk, Virginia, and of this marriage gave birth to three children; Brian McKoy (Hiwot “Lovey”, and former wife, Linda), Kenneth McKoy (Rochelle) and her only daughter, Victoria “Vicky” McKoy.

She later wed Columbus I. Gambrell, Sr. (deceased and laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery), who was born in Greenville, South Carolina and remained his wife until his death in 2002. Of this marriage she birthed a son; Columbus I. Gambrell, Jr.

To mourn her loss are her beloved grandchildren Joshua McKoy (A’Darn); Courtney McKoy, Tyler McKoy, Kendall McKoy, Arnell McKoy; great-grandchildren Ja-Den McKoy; Amonnie McKoy, and Azaria McKoy; extended family members Kaleta Sessoms Lassiter; Junious Sessoms, Raffael Shepard, a godson Allan Ryan, and two goddaughters, Cynthia Watson and Makaila Winfield.

Also to mourn her passing is a host of loving friends, associates and fellow church members. She will be forever missed by all who knew her.

Viewing Sunday, December 27, 2020 12:00pm - 5:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Monday, December 28, 2020 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Wednesday, December 30, 2020 11:00am Quantico National Cemetery 18424 Joplin Road Triangle, VA 22172 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(8)

  1. reply
    Elizabeth Buchanan says

    My sincere condolences to the family!!

  2. reply
    Norman & Mattie Baynard says

    The Baynard family give their condolences for the loss of your mother.

  3. reply
    Christine Taylor says

    MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. I WORKED WITH MRS EVANGELINE AT HOLIDAY HOUSE OF PORTSMOUTH.SHE WAS A REALLY SWEET AND LOVING PERSON. I WILL MISS HER DEARLY.

  4. reply
    Linda Mckoy says

    GOD NEEDED ANOTHER ANGEL
    LOVE LINDA MCKOY

  5. reply
    Aunt Henrietta and family says

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  6. reply
    TAWANDA & MAKAILA WINFIELD says

    Mother Gambrell was my daughter Makaila and I second mom. We learned so much from her and will always keep memories of her in our hearts. We will miss you Ma. Love Tawanda & Makaila

    The family will be in our prayers.

  7. reply
    Natalie Lundy says

    Prayers and condolences to the Family.

  8. reply
    ROBERT BROWN says

    angel from RUGBY STREET long ago.

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