Evelyn McFadden-Gainey

Evelyn McFadden-Gainey, 75, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord while surrounded by family on February 26, 2026.

A devoted mother, missionary evangelist, and servant of God, Evelyn lived a life poured out for others. She was known for her extraordinary love, unwavering faith, and selfless heart.

Before marriage and motherhood, she pursued nursing school in Utica — an experience she would speak of throughout her life as unforgettable and deeply cherished. She loved her time in nursing, and the compassion she developed there became a thread woven through everything she did.

After becoming a mother, Evelyn later returned to school to study business, demonstrating her strength and determination. She followed that professional path until working with the New York City Board of Education, where she faithfully served until retirement. During her time working with a school bus company serving the Board of Education, she received recognition from both the Board of Education and the Mayor for her outstanding job performance with disabled and disadvantaged children. Her dedication and patience made a lasting difference in the lives of countless families — including helping a child speak who had never spoken before, allowing his mother to hear her son call her “Mommy” for the very first time.

Evelyn had a gift in the kitchen that brought people together. She could cook anything — and it would taste amazing. Her meals were more than food; they were expressions of love. She was widely known for her exceptional cooking skills, always making sure no one left her home hungry. Feeding others brought her joy, and she did so generously and effortlessly.

Her ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church. As a missionary evangelist, she loved to love on people — to minister, to pray, to encourage, and to care deeply for the hurting and broken. She carried a genuine burden for others and consistently put the needs of her children and those around her before her own. She was truly selfless.

Evelyn prayed with unwavering faith and spiritual authority, often laying hands with her blessed oil and believing wholeheartedly for healing and deliverance. Many witnessed lives changed through her prayers. There was no spiritual battle she was afraid to confront and no darkness she hesitated to rebuke. To her children, she was strength personified — a covering, a safe place, and a living example of fearless faith.

She was also known for her powerful, anointed singing voice. When she opened her mouth in church, the atmosphere would shift. Lives were moved to tears, hearts were softened, and many experienced healing, freedom, and salvation. It often took just two notes before the presence of God felt undeniable and the service would be transformed. Watching her minister through song was nothing short of awe-inspiring — especially for her daughters, who stood amazed that such a powerful vessel of God was their mother.

Evelyn deeply loved her five daughters and would have given anything to see them happy. She often said that the best thing she ever did in life was have her five daughters, declaring that God gave her exactly what she asked for. Her greatest joy was being their mother, and she poured her heart into each of them without reservation.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her five daughters: Tarshinina Jackson; Laureen Muirhead (Gregg); Kay Jackson; Carlitia Jackson; and Tameka Laws; her seven grandchildren: Patrick Muirhead; Loriell Muirhead-Cheese (Xavier); Mia Murrell; Matthew Murrell; Preston Muirhead; Alex Laws; and Aiden Laws; and her great-grandson, Zenith Cheese.

She is also survived by her loving sisters: Patricia McFadden, Lucille Allen, Carolyn Graham, and Barbara Garland; her brothers: Willie James Graham and Jimmy McFadden; and a host of cherished cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

The viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111.

A Celebration of Life service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the same location.

Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Hanover Memorial Park Cemetery, 4447 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111.

To honor Evelyn’s memory and the family’s wishes, photography and video recording of Evelyn during the viewing and services are strictly prohibited. The family kindly requests full cooperation in honoring this request.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Evelyn’s memory may make contributions to the family.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

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