Obituary of Evelyn J. Northrop

Evelyn J. "Evie" Northrop stepped into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, December 16, 2013 at the age of 88. Born in Louber, PA, March 8, 1925, the daughter of the late Albert H. and Cora Baker Couchenour Sr., she was a Jamestown area resident since 1945. Blessed with a wonderful singing voice, Evelyn took voice lessons for seven and a half years from Flavia Dryburgh in Jamestown. She became well-known for her Bel Canto style of singing and was frequently featured in programs for various clubs and organizations in the Jamestown area. In the late 70s and early 80s she used her singing and performing talents in the women's gospel group "Sounds of the Times" which included her daughter Suellen, Carol Strickland Beasley, Jody Deem, Justine Sandburg, Kathy O'Hagan, Sue Anderson and Carol Tornquist. They traveled throughout western New York bringing the gospel message in contemporary music to many churches. The group also performed in the amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution. Evelyn used her gifts and talents at the Lucille Ball Little Theater when she played Mrs. Brice in "Funny Girl" opposite her daughter Suellen Northrop who played Fanny Brice. Two years later Evelyn played Mama Rose in "Gypsy". Using her God-given gift of music, Evelyn was choir director and youth choir director at Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church for nine years and choir director at Epworth Christ United Methodist Church for eight years. With an infectious smile that would light up a room and an unmistakable love for life, Evelyn brought out the best in everyone who sang under her direction. An excellent golfer, Evelyn won club championships at Blueberry Golf Club, Chautauqua Golf Club and Peek 'n' Peak Golf Club. Evie is remembered as a generous, fair competitor who played with great athleticism, enjoyment and skill. She and her husband, Stuart, owned and operated the Chirlstian Book Cellar for 17 years. During that time, Evelyn helped church choir directors, ministers and soloists find music appropriate for their performance needs. She was a great prayer warrior, ready to help anyone who came her way. Besides her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her brother Albert H. "Bud" Couchenour Jr. Surviving are her husband of 67 years Stuart E. "Stu" Northrop; their daughter Suellen Northrop, LPGA Professional at Chautauqua Golf Club, of Jamestown and Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and her sister-in-law Jean Couchenour of Jamestown. The funeral service will held at 3p.m. Monday in Christ First United Methodist Church. The Reverend Natalie Hanson, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 5p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Christ First United Methodist Church, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701.