Evelyn Zehmer

Evelyn Butterworth Zehmer, 92, died on Saturday, November 6, 2004, after a brief illness. Born March 22, 1912, the daughter of the late John Thweatt and Aelise Butterworth Zehmer, she was a graduate of Westhampton College in 1932, where she was winner of the singles tennis championship for that year. She began her teaching career at Victoria High School in Lunenburg County and Ebony High School in Brunswick County, but returned to her native Dinwiddie County in 1953 to teach English, Latin, and French at Sunnyside-McKenney High School and later at Dinwiddie County Senior High School. She also coached basketball and tennis, sponsored the Junior Classical League and Beta Club, and served as accompanist to the high school choral societies. Miss Zehmer joined Asbury Methodist Church in 1919 at age seven and served as its organist and choir director for fifty years. She was also president of the Women’s Society, a member of the administrative board, chairman of the worship committee, and a Sunday School teacher. For many years, she and her mother sponsored the church’s Easter egg hunt which was held at their home and open to children in the community. Miss Zehmer was an active member of the McKenney Woman’s Club and maintained a lively interest in art, crafts, sports, and literature. Generations of students benefited from her enthusiasm for, and interest in, their endeavors. She shared her boundless optimism with everyone. Contributions may be made in her memory to Asbury Memorial Church, P.O. Box 351, McKenney, Virginia. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 pm on Saturday, November 13, 2004, at J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Petersburg. A graveside funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, November 14 at Asbury Cemetery.