On Monday, August 31, 2020, Sarah Evelyn (Gant) Hewlett, 97 years old, was called home to eternal rest. She was born in Dameron, MD to the late Mary (Peterson) Gant and James Elias Gant, on May 14, 1923. Evelyn, as she was affectionately known, was also lovingly called 'Sarah Evelyn', 'Big Evelyn', 'Mama', 'Grandma', 'Great Grandma', and 'Aunt Evelyn'.

Evelyn received her education in the Baltimore and St. Mary's school systems, including St. Pius and St. Peter Claver. She was an active, lifetime member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in St. Inigoes, Maryland, and the Knights of Saint Jerome Catholic Society.

On January 15, 1947, Evelyn was united in holy matrimony to the late Murphy Hewlett. During their union, they were blessed with 6 beautiful boys and one step-son. Her family enjoyed her stuffed hams, cakes, pies, and rolls. Everything was delicious, and a recipe was never used.

After many years raising her own children, Evelyn fostered many other children providing them love and support. She also became a school bus driver, which she enjoyed. She assisted in the school activities, participating in various projects. Whenever she was called upon by anyone, family or otherwise, she did it without hesitation. She said to 'treat people the way you want to be treated', and if she promised to do something for you, she would do it.

Her grandchildren fondly recall her 'board of education', her beautiful singing, and trips to Seaside and Point Lookout. She didn't judge them, and supported them throughout their life journeys. They looked forward to her annual early morning birthday calls, where she was the first to sing Happy Birthday to them each year.

As a longtime Dameron resident, Evelyn was featured in the St. Mary's College 'SlackWater Project'. The project captured the oral histories of St. Mary's county residents. She was honored to share her family's history, including stories of her beloved Grandmother and namesake Sarah (Gough) Gant, how she met her husband Murphy singing "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall", and working at the Glenn L. Martin plant during the war. She was the quintessential Southern Maryland woman, full of life and love.

A devoted Catholic, Evelyn enjoyed going to church, which became an integral part of her life and family. She loved singing old spirituals, such as 'The Old Rugged Cross', 'How Great thou Art', and 'Precious Lord Take My Hand'. When asked what was her greatest joy, she said, 'I love my sweets, my 'Maryland crab cakes' and helping people'. She always ended her phone calls with her signature phrase "My love and my prayers".

After medical complications, Evelyn spent her later years lovingly cared for by her family. She immersed herself in a church community, making friends at Bible study, and enjoying church activities.

Evelyn was truly a strong, supportive and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. We, as a family, were blessed to have her in our lives, and we are better for it.

Evelyn was predeceased by her beloved husband Murphy Hewlett, sons William 'Billy' Baker and Myron Hewlett, brothers Harry Peterson and Avon Gant, and her sister Edith (Gant) Evans.

Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Leo Gant, of Parkville, MD; sons: Terry Hewlett (Betty) of Bahama, NC, Perry Hewlett (Amy) of Sante Fe, NM, Claude Hewlett (Gladeen) of Reisterstown, MD, Sherman Hewlett (Stacia) of Baltimore, MD and Alexander White (Edna) of DC; Grandchildren: Wayne Hewlett (Stephanie) of Port St. Lucie, FL, Andrea Hewlett-Langster (Travis) of Mitchellville, MD, Annette Tran (Binh) of Falls Church, VA, Tuesday Miles (Allen) of Hollywood, MD, Mica Hewlett of Sante Fe, NM, PJ Hewlett of Albuquerque, NM, Myron Hewlett, Jr of Great Mills, MD, Sherman Hewlett, Jr. of Cocoa Beach, FL, Natasha Hewlett of Phoenix, AZ, Joyce Dyson of Baltimore, MD; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am on Friday, September 11, 2020 at St. Peter Claver Church, 16922 Saint Peter Claver Rd, St Inigoes, MD 20684. Interment to follow at the church cemetery.
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