JOHN LEE EVERETT, JR.

A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Quiet Strength

John Lee Everett Jr. was a devoted family man and spiritual leader, known for his integrity, faith, and service.
His legacy of faith and service was honored through the naming of the John L. Everett, Jr. New York State Ushers Choir.
John led his family with love and prayer, emphasizing education and purpose—a quiet hero whose influence continues across generations.

Steadfast Leadership, Humble Service, Enduring Influence.

John Lee Everett Jr. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, whose life was defined by service, strength, and humility. Born in Franklin, Va., he spent most of his adult life in Brooklyn, NY before returning to Virginia upon retirement. He lived a life marked by integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith. He was known for his calm presence, wise counsel, and steady leadership, which earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him. An avid and champion bowler, he found both joy and fellowship on the lanes, forming lasting friendships.

A faithful and devoted usher John’s dedication extended beyond his local church as he held leadership positions on the state and national levels, faithfully representing the ministry with honor and excellence. In recognition of his outstanding service, “The John L. Everett, Jr. New York State Ushers Choir”, was named in his honor----a testament to the lasting impact of his life.

As the spiritual head of his family John led with love, and unwavering devotion to God. He believed in the power of prayer, and the importance of education, values that shaped how he lived, and inspired him to ensure his children has every opportunity to succeed.

Though he has gone home to be with the Lord, his memory remains a source of comfort and strength. John was a faithful servant, loving family man, and a quiet hero whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

EARTHELL EVERETT

A Matriarch of Strength, Guiding Her Family with Grace.

Earthell Everett was the first in her family to graduate high school, earning her diploma from Girls High School in Brooklyn in 1938.
A Licensed Practical Nurse, she worked at Carlton Nursing Home and Brooklyn Cumberland Medical Center until her youngest child completed college.
Earthell was a passionate community activist, participating in civil rights causes, voter registration drives, and the 1963 March on Washington.
She was a founding member of the Young Women’s Fellowship at the Church of the Open Door in Brooklyn.
Later in life, she was ordained as a Deacon at Corinth Chapel United Church of Christ in Suffolk, VA.
Earthell believed in lifelong learning and inspired others through reading, sharing articles and poetry, and active community involvement.

Empowering Change Through Faith, Action, and Compassion

Mrs. Earthell Riley Everett was born on February 3, 1920, and passed away on March 14, 2017. She was born in Aiken, South Carolina, to Elizabeth Montaque and James Riley. Earthell believed in enjoying life and sharing it with others. In her later years, she read constantly and inspired those around her by sharing poems, news articles, and participating in various community organizations.

Earthell was a powerful motivator for many young adults, often drawing from her own life experiences. In 1938, she graduated from Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York, becoming the first member of her family to achieve this milestone. She had to leave Aiken, SC, after the 8th grade due to the socio-economic restrictions placed on Black students’ education.

In the late 1950s, Earthell enrolled in the nursing program at New York City Community College and graduated in 1960 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She worked at the Carlton Nursing Home and Brooklyn’s Cumberland Medical Center as a nurse until her youngest child completed college.

Earthell led a life of service and civic engagement. She was a committed community activist, participating in voter registration drives, local elections, and civil rights causes. In 1963, she proudly attended the March on Washington, where she witnessed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Her spiritual journey began early in South Carolina and grew stronger during her time in Brooklyn. She was a founding member of the Young Women’s Fellowship at the Church of the Open Door. In 1964, she joined her husband at Brown Memorial Baptist Church, where she served as an usher and sang in the Floral Club, Cathedral Choir, and Mixed Choir.

In the 1980s, Earthell relocated to Suffolk, Virginia, where she joined Corinth Chapel United Church of Christ and was later ordained as a Deacon.

HAROLD EVERETT

Lifting Generations Through Education and Vision.

Harold Lee Everett was an educational advocate and U.S. Air Force veteran who dedicated his life to empowering others through learning..
Harold built a career in computer science, working over 30 years at Merrill Lynch and Bellevue Hospital as a data analyst.
He lived by the principle “Caring while Sharing,” encouraging excellence, faith, and service in both personal and professional life.
His legacy lives on through his daughters and granddaughter, all of whom continue his mission of educational empowerment.

The Life of Harold Lee Everett: A Lifetime Journey of Success

Harold Lee Everett was an educational advocate whose visionary spirit motivated others to achieve lifelong dreams. He was born in 1943 in Brooklyn, New York. Harold developed a solid foundation of morals, values, and beliefs through the guidance of his parents, John and Earthell Everett. The core beliefs are family, spirituality, and aspirations for higher education. He and his younger siblings John III and Janet lived in a home filled with books and encouragement to achieve their dreams.

As a young adult, Harold embarked on a path to achieve a series of well-defined objectives. He served on the Male Usher Board in 1960 at Brown Memorial Baptist Church. Growing up in New York City provided Harold with assorted opportunities to explore educational and career choices. Choosing to attend Howard University following his graduation from Boys and Girls High School marked the commencement of his pursuit of higher education. Harold formed various friendships and professional connections during high school and college. During this phase of life, he met and eventually married Eloise Everett.

Harold and Eloise had two daughters named Stephanie and Tiffaney. While raising two daughters Harold joined the United States Air Force and began his career as a computer science professional. For more than thirty years Harold analyzed data and ensured functionality of computer systems. He worked and applied his occupational skills at Merrill Lynch Investment Firm and Bellevue Hospital.

Harold L. Everett taught his two daughters “Education is the Key to Success.” Stephanie Everett and Tiffaney Everett have each obtained advanced degrees in Education and Humanities. While continuing to work passionately in their professional fields, they teach the younger generation the principles of education. Harold now has a granddaughter who is attending college and continuing her educational journey.