Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Evelyn Reese Gore, RN peacefully proceeded into the arms of God and entered through the gates of heaven, as she was surrounded by her children, on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Evelyn Reese Gore was born September 17, 1938 in Kingston, WV to Velma Lee Stanton and John Robert Stanton.

Evelyn had a great childhood growing up in the hills and mountains of WV. As a tomboy, her parents and grandmother often witnessed her vigorous stamina, determination and strength as she challenged nature by climbing trees and riding her bike through the rocky terrain. She grew up in a Christian home and gave her life to Christ as a child. She was a great student throughout school and decided to pursue a career in nursing after graduating from high school.

Evelyn fell in love with Charles Edward who she married and they relocated to Chicago. Their family grew with the blessings of her beloved children: Roosevelt Eric, Charles Edward, Lori Ann and David Lynn. Years later, she was blessed with John Christopher Michael. Her children affectionately called her “Mama Evelyn”.

Evelyn, after experiencing personal challenges, divorced and continued to care for her adored children and grandmother. Her determination and strength were the impetus to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. In 1972, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). While continuing her education and working full-time, she was successful in her pursuit for a Registered Nurse degree. As a RN, she worked in the emergency and women’s services departments of Michael Reese Hospital and Ingalls Memorial Hospital. She cared for hundreds of patients and assisted in saving numerous lives. She was promoted to leadership roles and bestowed leadership awards. Later in her nursing career, she worked in the home health care arena. During her life, she was happy with the ability to successfully take care for her family while pursuing her career in nursing.

Evelyn continued her career as a Registered Nurse until 1997 after she experienced a stroke that affected her speech and her ability to ambulate. Subsequently, she experienced other health challenges such as a hip fracture and additional strokes. She was amazing during her physical therapy sessions as she accomplished all tasks that were asked of her and more. Her challenges did not stop her! She, courageously, faced each challenge and did what she had to do to maintain her independence. Her innate positive attitude, strength and determination were responsible for her continuation of independent living and out-of- state travel. She loved to fly to visit her youngest grandson, Mikey, every Christmas. He affectionately called her “Mommy Evelyn”. Her self-motivation and strength were her greatest assets that made her an inspiration to those who knew her.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, John & Velma Stanton, grandparents, Roosevelt & Clara Moore, son, Roosevelt Eric Moore and nephew, Chase Gore.

Evelyn leaves a loving family who miss her: her children, sons, Charles E. (Lee Ann) Gore, Jr. of Fayetteville, WV; David Gore (son) of Chicago, IL and J. Christopher Michael Gore (Veronica) of Matteson, IL; daughter, Lori Gore-Green (Michael A.) of Denton, TX; grandchildren: Chevelle Gore of Chicago, IL, Brian Gore of Richmond, VA, and Jonathan Gore of Ocala, FL; 3 great-grandchildren.

Mama Evelyn was dearly loved and will be missed by those who love her.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Morning Star Baptist Church Skeleton, WV Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends may view and visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.