Mary Arlene Evans

Mary Arlene Evans, 81, of Leonardtown and Oakville, Maryland, entered peacefully into eternal rest on November 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Following a courageous 22-year health journey met with grace and resilience, Arlene completed her earthly walk on the very same calendar day, sixteen years later, as her lifelong friend and former husband, Frank Evans. To all who knew their shared story, this date stands as a profound testament that true friendship, family commitment, and enduring love transcend even the boundaries of life and death.

Arlene was born in Leonardtown, Maryland, on November 10, 1944, the cherished daughter of the late James L. Miles and Nellie E. Curtis-Miles. Raised in a vibrant, close-knit home of nine siblings, Arlene learned from her earliest years that family was paramount. Her childhood instilled in her an abiding golden rule: to treat every person with unconditional dignity, warmth, and respect. She carried these principles into every chapter of her life, faithfully instilling them into her children, grandchildren, and neighbors. She received her education through the St. Mary's County public school system at Banneker High School.

After finishing school, Arlene began her career in retail with the McKay family grocery store chain before discovering her lifelong calling within the garment and fabric care trade. Over decades of dedicated service, she worked alongside Ed Long, Chris and Bernie Morgan at Lexington Park Cleaners, the Department of the Navy Laundry – Dry Cleaners at NAS Patuxent River, and Steve Goldman at Ultra Cleaners.

Yet, Arlene's true artistry lived in her hands. As the beloved "neighborhood seamstress," her home was an open sanctuary with a revolving front door. Whether she was handcrafting beautiful wedding and prom gowns, altering sharp suits, or pulling together the perfect head-to-toe ensemble, Arlene had an exquisite eye for fashion. She possessed a rare gift: she didn't just sew garments; she made every person who wore them feel radiant, confident, and celebrated.

In 1960, Arlene united in marriage with Frank Evans. God blessed their union with four beloved children: Josephine, Debra, Joseph Jr., and Kelly. Though their marital journey transitioned into an amicable separation in the early 1970s, their mutual respect never wavered; they remained steadfast companions and fiercely devoted co-parents throughout their lives.

While her love for her daughters knew no bounds, Arlene's greatest joy shone brightest through the eyes of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. When she relocated to King and Kennedy Estates in Oakville, Maryland in 1975, her maternal embrace expanded even further. With a heart that knew no borders, she effortlessly welcomed the neighborhood youth as her own "bonus" children and showered their babies with the affection of a proud grandmother. Arlene met people precisely where they were-listening without judgment, offering gentle counsel, holding loved ones accountable, and leading always with unwavering love.

Arlene was richly blessed with steadfast companions. She treasured a sisterhood of over sixty years with Carolyn Banks-Butler, Rose Bowman, Celeste Jones, and Mary Agnes Young. She held a special bond with her cousins Violet Butler and Elizabeth Reed, and formed dear, supportive friendships with Ann Berry, Elizabeth Forbes, Mary Alice Maddox, Barbara Ward, Eleanor Young, Frances (Tinsy) Herbert, Joan Ball, and Frances Campbell.

Following a stroke in 2004, Arlene became a lively presence at the St. Mary's County Adult Day Care. She participated enthusiastically in their activities, with the annual Senior Prom standing out as her crowning moment-an event where she could indulge her lifelong love of dressing up in grand style.

At home, Arlene was the life of the gathering. She looked forward to lively games of Pokeno with her sister Laura and loved being pampered during visits to Crystal and Marty's home, returning with joyful stories and a pocketful of game winnings. A passionate game-show fan, Arlene made Family Feud an event in her home: family members could readily hear her shouting the winning answers right at Steve Harvey while giving any contestant who missed an obvious guess a spirited piece of her mind.

In her sunset years, as her health declined, Arlene received back in full measure the tenderness and sacrifice she had so generously given. She was tended to with gentle devotion by the generations she had nurtured, finding comfort in the deep harvest of her own lifelong love.

Arlene is survived by her daughters: Laura Gordon, Debra Evans, Raquel Stone (Ramon), siblings: Laura Frederick and brother-in-law Robert Warren, aunt: Artina Miles, grandchildren: Ronald Gordon Jr., Joseph Gordon (Melissa), Justin King, Sylvia Beckham, Janiero Thompson, Kahleel Stone Sr. and Briana Stone, Charles Chappell, Zachary Chappell, Benjamin Chappell, and bonus grandson Byron Coleman great grandchildren: Taquana Gordon, Amber Smith, Donovan Gordon, Alexis Baxter, Ronald Gordon, Cayden Gordon, Janyla Thompson, Ra’Jon Broome, Tylon Kibler, Ralph Broome III, Jamila Wright, Landen King, Isabella Gordon, Emerson Thompson, Corey King, Melani King, Phoenix Eckloff, Kahleel Stone Jr., Kahlias Stone, Juelz King: great-great children Desiah Gordon, Kay’drian Gordon, and Kaison Gordon, Godchildren: Wayne Warren, Harry Frederick and Resee Queen. Bonus Family: A host of bonus children, bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She has been reunited into eternal glory with her parents James and Nellie Miles, son Joseph Franklin Jr., siblings Randolph Curtis, Catherine Mason, James Miles, Nellie Warren, Charles Miles, Lewis Miles, and Nancy Fantroy, grandson: James Thompson Jr. and sons in law: Ronald Gordon Sr. and James Thompson Sr.

The services will be held on November 13th 2026 at St. Aloysius 22800 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650 with an hour visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with service starting at 11:00 a.m. The interment will be at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD 20650.