Evelyn LaGretta Brinkley Orton, a woman whose life overflowed with love, purpose, and quiet brilliance, transitioned peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026. She was known by many names—Bones, Gretta, Boo, Ma, Momma, Mommie, Mema, ‘The Mayor’, and of course, simply Evelyn each one reflecting the deep and varied relationships she cultivated throughout her life. Born in the Berkley section of Norfolk, Virginia February 8, 1944, Evelyn’s family moved to Portsmouth when she was five. As the youngest of four daughters born to Essex Brinkley and Mercedes Brickhouse Brinkley, she grew up surrounded by the strength and sisterhood of Claudette, Constance, and Essie. Together, they were affectionately known as “The Brinkley Girls”, a loving foursome whose bond shaped Evelyn’s sense of family, loyalty, and love.

That same sense of connection eventually brought her to the love of her life. At just fourteen, Evelyn was introduced to V. Wayne Orton by her sister Constance and his sister Myrna. When Wayne showed up at her door, eager to see her, her mother quickly informed him that “Gretta did not take company” and that he could return when she turned sixteen. True to his word, Wayne came back and from that moment, their story began. Their love grew into a lifelong partnership, and they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on July 1, 2026.  Counting the courtship, their relationship spanned 67 years.

Evelyn carried a natural gift for nurturing others and always dreamed of becoming a teacher. She graduated in 1966 from Norfolk State College (now University) with a Bachelor of Elementary Education and was honored as Miss Homecoming NSU that same year. She went on to earn a Master of Education from The Darden School of Education at Old Dominion University. Evelyn began her career in the Norfolk Public Schools System as a classroom teacher at Coronado, Madison, and Larchmont Elementary Schools. She later worked in Pupil Personnel at the NPS School Administration Building before serving as Acting Principal at Titus Elementary. In her final years in education, she was Assistant Principal at Coleman Place and Norview Elementary Schools. Evelyn retired on June 30, 2009, after forty-three years of dedicated service. Although her classroom extended far beyond four walls, she fulfilled that calling every day through her wisdom, her example, and the gentle encouragement she offered to everyone she met. She loved meeting new people and had a remarkable ability to uplift others, seeing the best in them even when they struggled to see it in themselves.

Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she expressed it through dedicated service at Fellowship United Church of Christ. Evelyn was a cherished member of the Voices of Fellowship Choir, where her voice added warmth and spirit to worship. She also served faithfully in the Women’s Fellowship and The Margaret Gordon White Circle, offering her time, compassion, and steady presence to the work of the church. In addition, she was a committed member of the Trustee Board, where her reliability, integrity, and quiet leadership helped guide the congregation she loved so dearly.

Her commitment to service extended into the broader community as well. As a proud member of the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Evelyn embodied the values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. She lived those principles with dignity, purpose, and a quiet strength that left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

At home, Evelyn found joy in the simple, beautiful rhythms of life especially in her garden. She loved tending to her plants, coaxing life from the soil with the same patience and care she extended to the people around her. Her green thumb was well known, but it was her nurturing spirit that truly made things flourish.

Above all, Evelyn’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She poured her heart into every generation, offering unconditional love, steady guidance, and a sense of belonging that will forever anchor those she leaves behind. Her laughter, her stories, and her many nicknames will echo in their hearts forever.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, V. Wayne Orton of Suffolk; son, Dr. Vernon A. Orton, II (Megan) of Richmond; daughters, Kimberly O. Jones of Suffolk and Ashlee O. Magobet (Ryeheim) of Colonial Heights; one sister, Essie B. Bowie of Norfolk; eleven grandchildren, Germaine Sykes, Raven Jones, Darrius Sykes (Shardae), Rodney Jones, Jr., Kole Jones, Chase Orton, Skyler Mueller, Charlie Orton, Rhylan Magobet, Rahmir Magobet, Rebel Magobet; one great grandchild, Nhyla Lashley-Jones; brother-in-law, Howard R. Dabney of Brooklyn; nephews, Dr. James L. Robinson, III (Kia) of Sacramento, CA, Dr. Louis R. Dabney (Unwanna) of Richmond; nieces, Sheri Bailey, Robin Hurdle, and Gail Hurdle all of Portsmouth, along with a host of extended relatives, sorority sisters, church family, and friends. She is preceded in death by her sisters Claudette Kelley Peacock and Constance Dabney.

Evelyn’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love. Though she is no longer with us physically, her spirit remains deeply rooted in the hearts