Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2023 November)
Winifred Evans has lived a long and meaningful life, much of it in service to her country and to others. While admired by family, friends, and colleagues, 105-year-old Evans recently achieved wider recognition when she was honored with a Living Legend proclamation from the Military Women’s Memorial. While this designation was bestowed for her years of service with the U.S. Air Force, it has also brought attention to her many other accomplishments, including service with the Peace Corps and Red Cross, authoring several books, and serving as a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
Winifred (Winnie) Evans was born in 1917 in Harrisburg, PA, to Rose and Hunter Evans. As a child, she excelled at school and displayed a passion for writing at an early age. Her parents encouraged Evans and her brother, Robert, to pursue higher education. Hunter Evans, a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, worked as a pharmacist and served as a role model for his children, while Rose Evans passionately encouraged them to attend college, knowing it would open doors of opportunity.
Family tragedy inspired Evans to pursue a career in nursing. As a child, she witnessed the illness and untimely death of her three-year-old sister and wanted to contribute to finding medical cures. She attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she received a bachelor's degree in nursing, followed by a master’s degree in nursing from Catholic University. She also traveled to Oslo, Norway, where she received a graduate certificate in nursing.
In 1955, Evans joined the U.S. Air Force at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. While there, she provided nursing care for airmen and their dependents and trained staff. She eventually was promoted to Chief Nurse and achieved the rank of Major. From 1957 to 1962, Evans served with the Air Force Nurse Corps Reserve. She also taught at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing.
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, Evans volunteered with the Peace Corps in 1962. Before departing, she and her fellow volunteers destined for Togo, West Africa, met with the president. In Togo, Evans traveled between remote villages, providing medical care for families and setting up immunization centers, where she vaccinated thousands of children. Her work in Togo was challenging but gratifying and inspired her to write “Africa, Once More With Feeling,” a book of poetry that expressed her love for Africa.
In 1965, Evans joined the United States Agency for International Development, providing health care to school children and refugee families in Saigon. Her good works and bravery were acknowledged by the Mayor of Saigon in a certificate of appreciation given to her by the Republic of Vietnam in 1966.
Evans went on to serve as a nurse at various locations worldwide, including Thailand, Latin America, and the United States. In August 1972, she was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. She continued to serve with other organizations – working for the American Red Cross in their blood development program and as a nursing instructor at Georgetown University. She also served as a clinical nurse in local homeless shelters.
In the 1980s, Evans joined other women veterans advocating for a memorial to women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Her belief that the courage and sacrifice of those who served should be recognized led her to become a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. Dedicated in 1997, the memorial is located at the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery and features an education center and interactive exhibits. The memorial also includes a Register, an interactive database that records and preserves the names, service information, photos and memories of the service women who register, preserving their records for future generations. To learn more about the memorial, visit WomensMemorial.org.
In September 1996, Evans and her brother proudly attended a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery that paid tribute to the 185,000 African American soldiers and officers who served with the Union Army during the Civil War, including their great-grandfather, Horace Bennett. The siblings had devoted many hours to researching Horace Bennett, who served as a sergeant in Company F of the 54th Regiment, Massachusetts Colored Volunteer Infantry under Colonel Robert Shaw. Sergeant Bennett was wounded during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner but recovered and fought in the Battle of Boykin Mills. The 1989 movie “Glory” told the story of the 54th Regiment from its formation to the Second Battle at Fort Wagner.
Evans also authored several published books, including a book of poetry called “On Wings of Victory” and a medical suspense novel titled “The Cult of the Black Mamba.”
In 2018, Evans moved to Chesterbrook Residences, a senior living community in Fairfax, where she enjoys the activities, entertainment, care, and companionship the community offers.
On August 17, 2023, Evans was honored with a “Living Legend” proclamation from the Military Women’s Memorial during a special ceremony held at Chesterbrook Residences. The proclamation recognizes female veterans who have reached the age of 100. The award was presented by Major General Irene Trowell-Harris, U.S. Air Force, Retired, and Lieutenant Colonel Marilla Cushman, U.S. Army, Retired, and senior advisor for the Women’s Military Memorial. Attendees included members of the American Legion, Evans’ family and friends, dignitaries including Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, and the staff and residents of Chesterbrook Residences who turned out in force to celebrate her achievement.
Evans was honored to receive the award and delighted by the impressive turnout. She summarized her years of service this way, “It’s all about meeting people and finding out what you can do to make things better.” It is apparent that she made things better for countless people around the world and for that she deserves to be called a Living Legend.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).