John, Ellen, Jeff, Betsy,
Two years, it is hard to realize. Seems like I could just give her a call and meet at McDonald's for a Egg Muffin and Coffee. That has been a while ago as Egg Muffin's were $.99 then. On that mission trip to Argentina with First Baptist, I remember making biscuits for the team not realizing the flour needed baking soda. Mary Evelyn, said it won't matter they'll be eaten thinking it is an Argentine bread they've never experienced. True they ate them all but no one asked for seconds. ;-) Treasured memories.

Mary Evelyn and I shared many common interests and made many memories the two years we were on the Meredith College campus. We were both considered "mountain girls" from the western part of the state, we grew up in farm communities and had the same major in school. Both of us married ministers and went overseas in missionary service. We became life-long friends and loved seeing each other on our furloughs in the States. She was a true friend everyone loved being with. She continues to be missed by her friends.

La Primera Iglesia Bautista de la provincia de San Luis; en Argentina. Se une en la despedida en esta vida de nuestra querida hermana Mary Evelyn Divers.
Damos gracias por ser ejemplo en el servicio a Dios, respondiendo fielmente al llamado a la obra misionera.
Nos unimos a los saludos, honrando y recordando sus virtudes como mujer, esposa y madre.
Como iglesia hacemos llegar nuestras condolencias a sus familiares.en este momento difícil y doloroso, pero tenemos esa esperanza eterna que Mary Evelyn descansa en paz en los brazos de nuestro Salvador y Señor Jesucristo.
Con amor fraterno, me despido.

Pastor Cesar E. Garcia.
Equipo pastoral.
Primera Iglesia Bautista.
San Luis - Argentina.

Mary Evelyn was like a second mom to me in Argentina. Thanks for everything and I sure love and miss you. Emily Stancil

Mary Evenly could have easily on Miss America and definitely the miss hospitality award. She was such a loving, caring, pretty person. We remember many drop in meals, even staying in her and John's home who in Bs.As on business. Always a good friend and loved their argentine church family so much. Borrowed: "a golden heart stopped beating. Hard working (caring) hands at rest". John and Linda and kids.

Mary Evelyn could have won a Miss America contest and definitely the Miss Hospitality award of such contest. We benefited often of her care and friendship for a cuppa, meal and even over night stays on our journeys to Bs. As. on business. She was always ready to care and share. We appreciated her love and friendship for us and to hear of it for her Argentine church. Prayers for you John, Jeff, Ellen and Betsy. "A a golden heart has stopped. Hard working (caring) hands at rest." Borrowed. God bless you all.

Mary Evelyn was one of the most gracious individuals I have known and an ideal partner with John on the mission field. She loved her family and the children at the school in Buenos Aires. She was particularly proud of her children. Our thoughts and prayers for John and her family.

I first met Mary Evelyn in 1991, when First Baptist Roanoke, VA, went on a mission trip to put a roof on Villa Centenario church. One of the first things I was asked to do was give my testimony at the first worship service after we arrived. I was unsure about doing that and Mary Evelyn, said that she had read my testimony and the church needed to hear it. Then she said, Gerri, a testimony is important because it is your story and cannot be argued as the Bible can be. After that service 3 women came up to me with tears in their eyes and pointed to me, themselves and up to God. Hugs flowed freely. The next year Paul and I went back on our honeymoon to visit and paint the outside of the Sidney Sowell School kindergarten classrooms. To say Mary Evelyn was the hostess with the “mostess” is an understatement. The first night we were there she gave us a wedding reception compared to none. She got the church women to prepare the food. A 4 tier wedding cake, and music provided by Pablo and Hernom, Nellie Parofiorite’s sons. Gifts, cards and well wishes that went long into the night. We were delighted that they retired to Roanoke. Mary Evelyn, had a vision of helping those less fortunate than she. Christian Women’s Job Core and the Hope Builders Chapter with WMU of the Roanoke Valley Baptist Assoc. was where she found her place of service. Not only did she provide the leadership to establish the program that continues to this day, but she was a mentor and practiced what she preached. One of her mentees was Rebecca Meckstrouth. When she first met her she was living in her car in Roanoke with her dog. With Mary Evelyn’s support, encouragement and many prayers, Rebecca, found a place to live, attended Hope Builders, got a job and moved on to become a substitute teacher in Roanoke City Schools. She completed college years before she fell on hard times. She became a leader in a Sunday School class. Later after her two sons moved to Oregon, Mary Evelyn and I took her to the train station where she moved to Oregon. Frequent reports back from Rebecca is that she continues to do well.  For several years Mary Evelyn and I met at the track at the school near where they lived. We walked and talked about the ministries we were involved in. Also, we would meet frequently at McDonald’s and have Egg McMuffin and coffee while we again talked and talked. Every time I eat an Egg McMuffin I’m reminded of her and those times. Paul and I treasure our times with John and Mary Evelyn and our lives are better for it.

Mary Evelyn was the best next-door neighbor there ever could be. The many early morning walks we spent in the streets of our neighborhood, Floresta, Buenos Aires, were always special times for me. We shared our thoughts and our delights and troubles and walked off a few extra calories. She always expressed such love for her family that it was an inspiration to me. I am grateful to the Lord to have known her and I look forward to a blessed heavenly reunion.

A wonderful friend, co-worker, and next door neighbor. Be assured of our prayers for your family as you travel this rough road. We rest in the assurance that she is in a place of joy and celebration.

A dear friend and partner in the WMU of Virginia Mary and Elizabeth Project.who inspired me beyond measure. My prayers for John and the family.

She encouraged us as new missionaries in Argentina and, together with John, participated in our daughter, Ruby's, baby dedication in 1991. She is a special lady.