Evelyn Marie (Brown) Bullock, a beloved resident of Centralia, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on June 8, 1935 in Washington, D.C., she touched many lives with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering faith.
Evelyn was born the daughter of Emerson Lee Brown, Sr. and Clarice (Greenhow) Brown. She married Garcia Bullock on May 23, 1959 in Washington, D.C. and he passed away on June 19, 1985 after 26 years of marriage.
Evelyn is survived by her devoted daughters: Bonnie Bullock Wilson (Mark) of Sugar Grove, IL, Sherri Johnson (Keith) of Centralia, and L. Michelle Bullock of Washington, DC. She was a cherished grandmother to Keisha Young (Tron) of O’Fallon, IL, William K. “KJ” Johnson of Centralia, Kayla Johnson of Cape Girardeau, MO, Kalvin Johnson (Savanah) of Tarzana, CA, and Jamal Gipson of Sugar Grove, IL. Her legacy extends to several great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her later years.
Her family was her pride, and her cherished memories will be upheld by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Phyllis Brown (Norman) of Gordonsville, VA, Carol Brown of Upper Marlboro, MD, Janice McGill (Danny) of Fredericksburg, VA, Michael Brown (Rosemary) of Kalamazoo, MI, Raymond Brown (Tina) of Washington, DC, and Reggie Brown (Shura) of Newark, DE. Additionally, she leaves behind her godson, William M. “Kenny” Stratton II (Naomi) of Hughsville, MD, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were close to her heart.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Garcia Bullock, her loving parents, Emerson Brown Sr. and Clarice Brown, her sister, Felicia Stratton, and brothers, Emerson Brown II, Ronald Brown, and Robert Brown, Sr.
Evelyn graduated from Cardozo High School in Washington, DC. She worked at Kanns Department store then worked as a medical technician in the family doctor’s office. Upon marrying Garcia, she quit her job because, “Garcia said he didn’t want kids for the babysitter to raise.” After Garcia’s death, she enjoyed work as a customer service representative at H&R Block, where she dedicated 10 years of her career, serving with integrity and diligence. Faith was a cornerstone of Evelyn’s life. A past member of the Righteous Church of God in Washington, DC. Evelyn was a “prayer warrior”, current member, and everyone knew her as the mother of the church at the Great Commission Deliverance Ministries in Waynesboro, PA.
Funeral Services for Evelyn Bullock will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Crossroads Church of Centralia at 12:00 P.M. with Pastor Michael L. Brown officiating with a visitation for family and friends taking place from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at the church on Thursday before the time of services. Burial will take place in National Harmony Memorial Park Cemetery in Hyattsville, MD at a later date. In memory of Evelyn, flowers can be received or memorial donations may be made to the WMSI Radio and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is Honored to be of service to Evelyn’s family during this difficult time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page. Her memory will forever be a blessing to those who knew and loved her, and her spirit will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends.
