Evelyn Ferguson Lancaster led a full 101 ½ years of life on this Earth.  She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, an only child, to Hazel and David Ferguson.  They moved to Arlington soon after her birth. She lived in Arlington through her early years and attended Westover Baptist Church where she put her faith in Jesus at a young age. 

Her family moved to Fairfax where she attended Fairfax High School and graduated.  She attended Averett College for 2 years and then went to George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, TN. She returned to Arlington to teach second grade at Stonewall Jackson Elementary (now known as ATS) and later at the newly built Nottingham Elementary.  She also taught at Happy Day School and Piedmont Day School in Arlington.

She met Richard (aka Woody or Dick) Lancaster on a blind date.  They were married October 29, 1949.  They settled in Arlington with the goal of living near a Bible believing church.  When their 2 girls, Susie and Debbie, were born, they all went to Cherrydale Baptist Church. It was important to Evelyn to be involved in Bible study and serve in the church.

The family went camping for all of their vacations.  They planned trips across the country to see America and all the amazing sights. Family was important to Evelyn so visiting relatives was a part of holidays, birthdays and summer vacation trips. .

 Evy loved being outside. Even in her last days, she wanted to go outside to walk or wheel around in her wheelchair or just sit in the sun. She played the piano, sketched pictures, liked to do word searches, watch and listen to reruns of Lawrence Welk, and work on puzzles. She is survived by her daughters Susie and Debbie, son -in -law Jack and two grandsons Brandon and James.

She enjoyed life and had a positive attitude about everything. She will be missed, but she is with Jesus and her loved ones who have gone on before her. “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Her burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, February 9, 2026. Arrive at 9am with REAL ID to show in order to attend the burial at 10am.  A Memorial service will be on the same day at Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane in Arlington, at 11:30am in the Community Room.  Those wishing to honor Evelyn’s memory may do so by making a donation to Cherrydale Baptist Church or to the Nature Conservancy.