September 11, 2025, 95, Goldsboro —
Evelyn Cruse Ham, 95, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by the love of her family. Evelyn was born in Wayne County on February 19, 1930, to the late Joseph and Mattie Nance Cruse. In addition to her parents, she was welcomed into heaven by her husband of 48 years, Leslie Ray Ham; her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and George Strickland; sisters, Alease Mozingo, Peggy Tyson, Landora Lancaster, Beulah Stroud, Dorothy Sutton, and Jessie Combs; and brothers, Milton Cruse, Jimmy Cruse, and William Cruse.
Evelyn lived her life as a faithful servant of the Lord. A charter member of United In Christ Church, she loved her church family deeply and was instrumental in helping establish the church by raising funds through countless harvest sales. She joyfully used her gifts in the kitchen, and while every dish she made was delicious, her homemade chicken pastry was a favorite that brought people together year after year. More importantly, Evelyn covered her church in prayer, lifting up countless petitions that souls would be saved and lives changed through its ministry.
Family was the heart of Evelyn’s life. She was a devoted wife, mama, granny, and nana who cherished every opportunity to gather her loved ones around the table. She delighted in preparing meals and baking cakes that became her signature blessing to both family and friends throughout the community. Known fondly as “the cake lady,” Evelyn’s cakes were enjoyed at countless celebrations and served as a sweet reminder of her generosity and love.
Evelyn also found joy in the beauty of God’s creation. With a green thumb and patient care, she cultivated flowers and plants that flourished, making her yard a place of beauty and peace.
Above all, Evelyn’s life was marked by her steadfast faith. She put God first in all things and lived as an example of love, prayer, and service. Her legacy of faith and family will live on in the lives of those who were blessed to know her.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at United In Christ Church, followed by a service celebrating Evelyn’s life at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Kenneth Boyd and Rev. Ira Williford officiating. Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Wayne Memorial Park.
Evelyn is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James and Hope Ham; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Will Rogers; grandchildren, Denise Bittner (Mike), Dawn Pysar (Travis), Randy Strickland, Derrick Ham (Leanne), Scott Ham (Stephanie), Tara McLamb (Justin), and Brooks Rogers (Lauren); great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, Triston, Aidan, Lexi, Connor, Benny, Davey, Ellisyn, Paxton, Zane, Elizabeth, and Dawson; and one great-great-grandchild, Madelyn.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be given in Evelyn’s memory to United In Christ Church, Patetown Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534, or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
