Mother Evelyn C. Stone

Evelyn was born on June 10, 1926 in Richmond, Virginia to Emma and Henry Miles. She moved to Albany in 1934 with her mother and three younger brothers after the death of her father.  She attended the Albany Public Schools, graduating from Albany High School in June of 1944.  She was employed immediately after high school with the New York Telephone Company.  She was the 2nd African American hired at the company and retired in 1991 after 37 years.  

Evelyn accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized on August 19, 1938 at Bethany Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. George W. Brown.  She has been active in the church all of her life.  As a child, she participated in Sunday school, Bible study, and the Young People's Union.  She sang in the Junior choir and was a youth delegate to the Federation of Churches (now, the Capital Area Council of Churches).  She was also a Camp Counselor for Trinity Institution’s Camp Story for Girls. 

On December 22, 1945, she married Fred Adam Stone.  Their union bore two beautiful children, Steven and Elaine.  In 1972, after 27 years of marriage, Evelyn became a widow.  Her faith in God sustained her and being in church led her to a more fruitful life in the Christian community.  

Mother Stone served as Church Clerk; Assistant Sunday School Superintendent; Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday school Teacher; Church Musician, Choir member and Trustee. She was consecrated as “Deaconess” in 2009 and on March 20, 2011 she was consecrated as the “Mother” of Bethany Baptist Church by her pastor Rev. John B. Killikelly.  Bethany was her LOVE!!!

Serving the Lord was her LIFE!!!  Joy flowed from her heart as she sang, "It's Me, Oh Lord, Standing In the Need Of Prayer,” or “Through It All I’ve Learned to Trust In Jesus”. Not only on Sundays but almost every day when she was able, you’d find her in a church, or visiting the sick and shut-in.  She witnessed to everyone she met about the greatness of God every chance she got.  “Praise the Lord!”

She joined Church Women United in 1972 as a representative of her home church.  She served as Chair of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship/Memorial Service Committee of the Capital Area Council of Churches from 1978 to 1984 and as Chaplain for the Albany Medical Center’s Sunday morning worship; Nursing Home Ministry for Julie Blair; the Albany County Nursing Home and  Ann Lee Home.

Evelyn was the 1st woman, African American woman, to serve as President of the Capital Area Council of Churches from 1989-1991.  She also served on the Prayer and Worship Committee, the Nominating Committee and the Faith and Learning Committee for the Capital Area Council of Churches. She began participating in the Crop Walk for the Hungry in 1982 and as a participant, she usually raised the most funds in the individual category. 

Other volunteer activities include: Instructor for the New York State Congress of Christian Education Annual Retreat Classes; Musician on 5th Saturday and Sunday for the Capital City Rescue Mission; a member of the Tri-Cities Nondenominational Christian Women’s ministry. Evelyn was admired for her community involvement and her humble spirit.  She wanted to help uplift the work of those who served God through their various ministries.

Her life leaves an indelible mark upon the lives of all who knew and loved her.  

She was predeceased by her parents, beloved husband Fred A. Stone, brothers Arthur (Gloria), Henry (Jacqueline, Susan) and Roosevelt (Betty) and nephews William, Gary, and Paul Miles.

Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her passing are her beloved children Steven A. Stone, Elaine C. Stone, Granddaughters Stephanie N. Stone-Crivelli and Maya K. Stone, Great Grandchildren Giancarlo G. Crivelli and Maya I. Crivelli, beloved daughter-in law Christine Stone, Nieces Leona, Sumiko and Jamaica Miles, nephews Rodney, Kevin, Cecil and Rodger Miles, and a host of great nieces & nephews, cousins, many other relatives and dear friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mother Evelyn C. Stone, please visit our floral store.