Evelyn Lee Dykes, 91, of Snow Hill, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Coastal Hospice At The Lake. Born in Aberdeen, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Lee McMaster and Vera Elam McMaster. She loved the Eastern Shore, but remained a Carolina Girl at heart. Her working life was dedicated to the nursing profession. Beginning at the Springfield State Hospital in 1939, she went on to work in a GP’s office and did private duty in Baltimore, was an operating room nurse at Peninsula General Hospital, and finished her career as night supervisor at the Holly Center in Salisbury. She received the award for “Excellence in Nursing” in her RN class in college, and was chosen “Maryland Nurse of the Year” while at the Holly Center. Patient care was her gift. She served in leadership roles in service to her community, as charter member and president of Post 67 American Legion Auxiliary, president of local and county PTA chapters, and representative to the MD State PTA. She chaired the Worcester County Cancer Crusade for many years. Supporting her husband’s career, she managed a home and a farm, where she was a master of the domestic arts. Her cooking was showcased at holiday feasts that strained the imagination as well as the waistline. She could sew a ball gown from scratch, and painted in oils and water colors. Gardening was a specialty, and every living thing thrived at the touch of her hand. A voracious reader and world traveler, she was fascinated by the people and cultures of Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. She loved Great Danes, and the gentle giants were her companions and protectors. As her physical abilities waned, she supplied wisdom, compassion, and love to a grateful circle of family, neighbors, and friends. She is survived by 2 sons, Michael Lee Dykes (Elaine) of Snow Hill and William Carlton Dykes, Jr. (Rhonda) of Stockton; 4 grandchildren, Daniel, Lauren, Bryan and Jon Dykes; 3 step grandchildren, Robert Brem, Robynn Patterson and Lorena Wachter; 3 great grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; a brother, Billy McMaster of Red Springs, NC; and several nieces and nephews, including Linda Black of Snow Hill. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, MSP Lt. Colonel (Ret.) William C. Dykes, Sr. in 2002; a sister, Betty Anne Schorr; and 2 grandchildren, Rick and Colleen Dykes. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Officiating will be Rev. Kenneth Elligson. Contributions may be made in her memory to Snow Hill Fire Department, P.O. Box 83, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, PA, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.
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