Marilyn Louise Culp Evans, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, at the age of 94. She died at General Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

A lifelong resident of the Wyoming Valley, Marilyn was born on May 21, 1930, in Kingston, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest child of Gilbert Wood Culp and Emma Sophia Smith. Raised in a close-knit family during the Great Depression, Marilyn developed a quiet strength and enduring resilience that would define her life. Following the death of her father when she was just 3 years old, Marilyn remained close to her mother and siblings, forging bonds that remained strong throughout the decades. She was known for her grace, quiet strength, and gentle spirit from a young age.

A woman of deep faith, Marilyn was a longtime member of Wyoming Avenue Christian Church. She faithfully served her congregation by playing piano and organ for many years, using her musical gifts to bless others and enrich worship services.

Marilyn married the love of her life, James Gordon Evans, on July 19, 1952, in her hometown of Kingston. Together, they shared 62 devoted years of marriage until James’s passing in 2015. Their union was built on faith, love, and family. Together they raised five children: Suzanne Dreistadt (Mark) of Harrison City, Pennsylvania, Mark Evans (Lisa) of Winter Haven, Florida, Nancy Kinney (Bruce) of Wyoming, Pennsylvania, David Evans (Kathy) of Kingston, Pennsylvania, and Richard Evans (Molly) of Canton, Georgia. Her legacy lives on in the lives of her 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to raising her family, Marilyn worked outside the home, providing clerical support for Culp Brothers and later for Design Systems. Her attention to detail, quiet diligence, and professionalism were deeply appreciated by her colleagues and made a meaningful contribution to each organization.

Throughout her life, Marilyn remained a steady presence—kind, wise, and quietly faithful. She delighted in simple joys: sharing meals with family, keeping in touch with her children and grandchildren, and holding fast to traditions that anchored the generations. She was a woman of integrity and sincere Christian faith, deeply loved by all who knew her. Her home was a place of warmth and hospitality, where generations gathered to share stories, laughter, and memories.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, James Gordon Evans; her parents, Gilbert and Emma Culp; and her siblings Gilbert, George, Lewis, William, and Emma Irene.

Her life was a testimony of enduring love, quiet faith, and the profound impact of a mother’s devotion. She will be deeply missed but joyfully remembered.

The family will hold a private service to honor her life and legacy.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:28).

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

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