Mary Evalina Summers Hall Mitchell

Mary Evalina Summers Hall Mitchell, known to many as Evalina or Bennie, died at her home on February 22, 2025, surrounded by her children. She was born on October 26, 1928, in Upper Marlboro, MD to her parents Paul Francis Summers and Theresa Evalina Sasscer. She and her 8 brothers and sisters were rooted in the traditions of church and farm life, creating the life-long foundation of purpose, resilience and optimism. She had fond memories of the farm “Maplehurst” in Upper Marlboro, where many happy family reunions had been held. Evalina attended St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School and Upper Marlboro High School, and later graduated from Georgetown Visitation Junior College in 1948. 

She was first married in 1949 to Robert Lee Hall III, with whom she had 7 children, before his tragic death in 1961. She and John Walker Mitchell were married in 1964 and had 3 more children. The family of 10 was raised in the house some have known as ”Multitude” due to the ever-present abundance of family and friends. Her love of family and her capacity for kindness had no limits. All were welcome to her home and all cherish the memory of that welcome. She was a devoted member of her church from which she garnered much of her grace, strength, and wisdom. 

Evalina was also an astute businesswoman who, after the death of her first husband, assumed the presidency of Bob Hall, Inc. which she held for 56 years. She was the first woman to be the chief executive officer of a Maryland beverage distributorship, and one of the few women to hold this position nationwide. The employees held her with the upmost regard, and she was a highly respected leader across the industry. She was named a Woman of Achievement in Prince George’s County. She was admired by many for her ability to manage a household and raise a loving family while also leading the growth of the company. Her sense of community led to involvement in many charitable and historical preservation organizations, such as the Maryland Historical Society, the Prince George’s County Historical Society, The Society of The Ark and The Dove, Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Muscular Dystrophy Society, Save the Bay and many school scholarship programs. She was also a member of the Colonial Dames, The Marlborough Hunt Club, The Daughters of Cincinnati, Sulgrave Club, and The Forest Garden Club of Prince George’s County. 

She is survived by her children Wallis Hall Cain (Steve), Clarence Hall, Elizabeth Hall Kinley (Kevin), Lamar Hall (Michele), Tilghman Hall Cushman (Mark), Marian Mitchell Bond (Tom), Margaret Mitchell Puryear (Bentz), Sarah Mitchell Johnson (Ray), daughter-in-law Naomi Hall, grandchildren Wallis, Bennett, Alyson, Kate, Emma, Michael, Anne Tilghman, Robert, Evalina, Walker, and Hunter, and great grandchildren Lina and Cain. She was predeceased by her husbands Robert L. Hall, III and John W. Mitchell, and sons Robert L. Hall, IV, and Richard B. Hall.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Highway, Bowie, MD. A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption, 14908 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD. A repast luncheon will follow at The Marlborough Hunt Club, 5904 Hunt Club Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Evalina’s honor to St Mary of The Assumption Church, 14908 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 or go to https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/