Evelyn Ferrell Kirby

Evelyn M. Kirby died at her home in Easton, MD on Friday, September 16, 2005. She was 82. Born February 21, 1923 in Kenova, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Morris and Rachel Witten Ferrell. She grew up in Bluefield, VA and Charleston, WVA, where she graduated from Dunbar High School. She was employed in the accounting department of C&P Telephone Company for 13 years. On August 27, 1949 she married Philip C. Kirby in Charleston, WVA. They later moved to Wheeling where she was active in the Boxwood Garden Club, the Women’s Club and as a board member and finance chairman of the YWCA. For several years she and Phil organized and managed the Kiwanis Fresh Air Farm, a summer-long coed camp for underprivileged children 7 to 14 years of age. Evelyn prided herself on teamship with her husband in his business and their many volunteer activities. Together they devoted their lives to improving the communities in which they lived, especially Wheeling, WVA and Easton, MD. Philip and Evelyn chose homes in which to live in part based on the ability to landscape and have a garden. They personally tilled their own soil and planted their own flowers. Evelyn especially found her God in the spirit and breezes of this gracious outdoors. Philip and Evelyn were members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church where Philip sang in the choir and Evelyn volunteered for some years on the Missions Committee. Though residing in Easton, MD, Mr. Kirby served for 18 years on the board of directors of Wheeling Jesuit University, the last nine of which he was chairman of the Board. The University dedicated a new residence to Philip and Evelyn in the Spring of 2000. Mrs. Kirby often said that their long association with the Jesuits had developed many deep friendships and given them a greater appreciation and understanding of all religious life. Philip established Talbot Mentors, Inc. in Easton, MD in 1995 and served as its President until his death on July 21, 2000. Evelyn continued this great interest and association mentoring young students. Mrs. Kirby is survived by a sister, Mary Helen Ramseier of Wilmington, DE, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Olds; and three brothers, William Ferrell, Richard A. Ferrell and Morris B. Ferrell. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 7:00 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P. A., Easton, MD. Burial will be at Sherwood Cemetery, Salem, VA.