With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Evelyn McElveen, 73, of Moncks Corner, SC, formerly of Greeleyville, SC, wife of Seward McElveen, who passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026.

With profound love and gratitude we celebrate the life and legacy of Evelyn Matthews McElveen who was born on April 9, 1953 to the late Willie Matthews and Senia Scott Matthews in Greeleyville, South Carolina.

Life Reflections

Evelyn received her formal education from C.E. Murray High School. She moved to Goose Creek, South Carolina where she operated a commercial cleaning company alongside her husband and daughter, owned and operated McElveen In-home Child Care Center and a career in retail that expanded over 30 years.

Evelyn was the matriarch of her family. She opened her heart and home to many friends, family, and church members that worked, attended school, or to those that sought to relocate to the Charleston area seeking employment. No matter the need, Evelyn was always ready to provide love, home cooked meals, and a helping hand to anyone in need.

At an early age, Evelyn joined  St. John Baptist Church where she served in a myriad of capacities.

She married the love of her life Seward McElveen Jr. and they were blessed to experience 49 years of Holy Matrimony.

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by: four sisters, Ola Matthews, Evangelist Rebecca Matthews, Susie Matthews and Willie Mae Sellers; one sister-in-law, Ruth Boykin; two brothers-in-law, Oscar Sellers and Gregory McElveen.

Fond memories will be cherished by: her loving husband, Seward McElveen Jr.; daughter, Donta Bellamy (Joe); one reared as a brother, Nathaniel (Pauline) Matthews Sr.; five grandchildren, Ashlyn, Ore'ana, Z'Niah, Ayanna, and Mahki; four great grandchildren, Ni'ana, Na'Cari, Noah, and Niomi; nephews, Willie L. (Deloris) Matthews, Russell (Nicky) Matthews, Dominic (Alexis) Matthews, and Jeremy Woods; six sisters-in-law, Rose (Rev. James) Carroway, Gladys McElveen, Debra McElveen-Collins, Barbara McElveen, Mattie Footman, and Mattie Beaufort; one brother-in-law, Bobby Boykin: two godchildren, Evelyn Matthews and TJ (Latanya) Matthews; two stepdaughters, Jenny McFadden and April McFadden; three best friends, Lucy Stephens, Tracy Boyd, and Evelyn Stokes; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family is receiving friends and family at 3120 Estate Road, Moncks Corner, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.