Evelyn Polite Lott

Evelyn Polite Lott, 102, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Shannon Gray Health and Rehabilitation.

Evelyn Anne Polite Hamilton-Lott, “Sister” as she was affectionately known, was born April 14, 1918 at 929 Bartow Street in Brunswick, Georgia.  She was the second of nine children born to Elmo Lucius Polite and Algertha Wells Polite.  She was predeceased by her parents and siblings.

Sister attended Risley High School in Brunswick, Georgia where she met and fell in love with Jesse Hamilton, Sr.  They were married in 1934 and from that union, two children were born.  Evelyn Latheia and Jesse, Jr.  In 1945, Sister and her children moved to New York for a better life.  Sister wed Otis Lott in 1947 and the family started a new life in New York City.

Sister began to work in New York as a welder in the Brooklyn Navy Yard during WWII and retired 40 years later as an honored employee of New York State.  She was a staunch supporter of the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s, being a participant of the March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sister led a very active life during her 102 years.  She served as Shop Steward for District 65, was an advocate for pregnant teenage girls in Queens, and was an award-winning member of the Southeast Queens Civic Association.  She served as treasurer for the Ilion Avenue Area Block Association for 25 years and attended York College.  She also was an active member of the Jolly Pals Club, a social group who annually raised funds for the United Negro College Fund.  Her hobbies included needlework, beading, and ceramics.  She also attended St. Pius X Catholic Church in Greensboro, NC.

Sister has always been the go-to-person in the family and provided a haven for all family members that left the South for a better life.  In 1966, the Lott’s moved to Queens and purchased their first home in which they lived for 33 years.  In 1999, Sister and Otis sold their home in New York and relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina where they purchased their second home.

In 2015 Sister was admitted to Shannon Gray nursing home in Jamestown for skilled care and she continued to stay active until her death.  When she was asked what her secret to longevity was, she would state, “pills and prayers”.  Sister’s two favorite hymns were “Precious Lord” and “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus” and that was the way she lived her life.

Sister is survived by her daughter Evelyn Cutting, son Jesse Hamilton, Jr., daughter-in-law Claudia, 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.  She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions in place the family has postponed arrangements for a memorial service. When the date of the service has been determined, it will be posted here.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made in Evelyn's memory to the United Negro College Fund at the following link - https://secure2.convio.net/uncf/site/SPageNavigator/2016Donate.html?_ga=1.228507997.1784004042.1453915736

Wright Funerals - Cremations is in charge of arrangements.