God gifted Eva Cleo Richardson to the world on August 15, 1931, in Wildwood, FL, the first of two daughters born to Nutey Bell Richardson and Cleveland Smith. Deaconess Eva C. Gary experienced the faithfulness of God through a long life. She transitioned from her earthly body to her heavenly tabernacle on June 10, 2025, following a brief illness.
She began her education in Dade City, Florida where she was a graduate of Mickens High School. After graduating high school, she attended Bethune Cookman College, in Daytona Beach, Florida, where one of her fondest memories included serving the college’s founder and president, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.
On May 21, 1951, she married Earl Norman Young and remained happily married until his untimely death on March 2, 1979. To that union were born two children: Gwendolyn Gail and Deborah Denise (DOD: November 25, 2022). Deacon Young and Deaconess Young reared their daughters in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
She married Cyrus Gary, Jr. on September 3, 1983 (DOD 1998). Deaconess Gary was an active member of First Hopewell Baptist Church. The family joined the church when they moved from Florida to New Jersey in 1962. The Deaconess taught the Adult Sunday School class until 2020. She loved her church family at First Hopewell Baptist Church and her Pastor, Onaje Crawford.
Deaconess Gary retired from the New Jersey Bell Company after working there more than 30 years. She started as a long-distance telephone operator; and continued with other positions throughout her career. She also taught literacy and GED classes for soldiers and other adult learners. After retirement, she worked with the grassroots organization, Newark Now and also served on the Newark Rent Control Board. She was often found with younger women whom she loved and quietly mentored.
Deaconess Gary thoroughly enjoyed travel! She went on cruises and flights both within the USA and internationally. She was the “Queen Mother” of The Lord’s Healing Church in Chesterfield, VA. She is also honored as the Shepherd Mother of the Archdiocese of Pneuma Global Alliance in Chesterfield, VA.
Deaconess Gary was predeceased by her husband and the father of her two children, Deacon Earl N. Young, and their younger daughter, Deborah D. Young; her second husband, Cyrus Gary, Jr.; her mother, Nutey B. Richardson; and her maternal aunt Rosa Lee Robinson. She is survived by her sister, Mary White (James) of FL; daughter, Metropolitan Archbishop Gwendolyn G. Young of VA, Presiding Bishop and Apostle of the Archdiocese of Pneuma Global Alliance and founder of Pneuma Healing Academy; her “number one grandson”, Micah E. Newton (Kim) of CT, great granddaughters Kaylyn N. Newton, Mycah A. Newton, Alicia M. Newton, and Victoria Olmo; great-great grandson, Anthony; godchildren, Darlene Green of NJ and Keith Green (Britt) of MD; and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.