PORTSMOUTH- Evelyn Marie Screeney, 94, passed away July 24, 2018. She was born in Portsmouth to the late Hurburt and Bessie Burton.

In 1976, Evelyn began volunteering at Oasis and began what she described as "my lifelong love affair with Oasis." Between working as the CCD principal at Holy Angels and Director of the After School Program at Portsmouth Catholic School, Evelyn squeezed in plenty of time to continue volunteering at Oasis. In 1983, she took a part time position at Oasis and then, in 1985, moved to running the soup kitchen. In 1989, Evelyn was named Assistant Director of Oasis and, in 1991, was named Director, a position she ably filled until her retirement in September of 2003.

In her tenure as Director, Evelyn oversaw a steady growth in both the extent of Oasis's outreach in the community and in both the types and volume of services offered to the needy. Evelyn also remained mindful that growth must be achieved with full recognition of the original premise of maintaining the dignity of those Oasis served. It was fitting that on May 18, 2003, the Virginian Pilot placed an exclamation point on Evelyn's career as Director of Oasis by awarding Oasis a Best in Portsmouth citation.

When you spoke with Evelyn about her years with Oasis, however, it was not the accomplishments she focused on, but the people and the attitudes which fueled the grown of Oasis. Any conversation turned to discussion of love, compassion, dignity, which were Evelyn's mantra in her work for Oasis. Her hope was that its growth could continue, while the values which have sustained it would be maintained.

Evelyn was generous with her time and talents to the Church she so loved, as well as to those in need. She learned this generous spirit watching her own mother live for the Lord. To her family, she was a perfect example of a good and faithful servant. She will be greatly missed, but her light and love will live on in the lives of those she touched.

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Peter Screeney, Jr., and her son, Peter Screeney, III. She is survived by a daughter, Marie Parrish; a son, Michael Screeney and wife Deanna; five grandsons, Charlie, Joseph, Michael, Jr., Daniel, and James; and two great-grandsons, Grayson and Chase.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 30, at the Holy Angels Catholic Church, 34 Afton Pkwy., Portsmouth. The family will receive friends an hour prior. Burial will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 2701 Elm Ave., Portsmouth. Memorial donations may be made to Oasis Social Ministry, 800 Williamsburg Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.