M. Evelyn Carter Cheatum

M. Evelyn Carter Cheatum, our wonderful mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at the age of 99 in Middleburg, Florida. She was born on November 15, 1925, to Wilburn Lafayette Carter and Arbie Lucille Carter in Greenville, Texas. She was the best mom ever giving love, care and support to her four children, Larry II, Wayne, Carter and Lisa, and their families. 

Mom was a loving and devoted wife to Lawrence Eugene Cheatum for 50 years.  They married in 1944. Larry II arrived in 1945 and two more boys followed. A Marine Corps wife, she held the family together taking care of the three active boys while Dad was deployed to Korea in 1954 for 18 months. Mom didn’t care for her first name and went by Evelyn her whole life. However, Dad painted the short version, Myrt, on his plane while Dad was deployed. After leaving the Marine Corps, the family moved to Miami in 1957. Lisa arrived the next year.

Mom was always ready with a quick smile and hug when her children needed it.  However, since Dad was a shift-worker, Mom was the strong, steady hand and disciplinarian keeping the three boys in line. She was the chauffeur for all our childhood activities (Judo, band, drama, Math club, etc.) and our many trips to the doctor or hospital for cuts and scrapes, dog bites, punctures, and dislocated fingers. She and Dad always encouraged us to do our best in school and other activities. They raised four happy, well-adjusted kids. 

Mom was a great hostess in Miami inviting the neighborhood ladies over for coffee or tea. She was known for her warm smile, sense of humor, friendly demeanor and positive attitude. 

After Dad passed away in 1994, Mom lived on her own for many years. She was great at managing her finances and affairs. She was a world traveler visiting Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Machu Pichu in Peru with Elder Hostel.  She also volunteered for many years at the Brevard Zoo and the Brevard County Sheriff’s office. Her children and grandchildren always enjoyed a trip to Nana’s house. 

Mom was a child prodigy who started reading at 4 years old, not only advanced readers but also law books and technical manuals. Mom graduated high school at 15 years old and attended business college. Mom did return to college later in life and carried an A average. Mom’s favorite hobbies were reading and crossword puzzles. 

Mom is survived by her four children, Larry II, Wayne, Carter and Lisa; 11 grandchildren, Heidi, Ian, Amanda, Catherine, Andrew, Garrett, Franklyn, Heather, Michael, Chas and Michelle; and seven great grandchildren, Lexie, Callie, Mason, Marcus, Damon, Isabella and Natalia.

Mom will be interred alongside Dad at Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell Florida at a future date.  The family will gather at that time for a celebration of her life.   

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