Evelyn May Palko Hemphill

Evelyn May Palko Hemphill, 101, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Evelyn was born in Youngstown, Ohio on January 18, 1925 to the late John Anthony Palko and Helen Marie Babrik Palko. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Neil Alvin Hemphill and four siblings, Dorothy, Genevieve, Lillian and John Jr.

Evelyn was a longtime resident of the mountains here in WNC but also resided in Pennsylvania and Florida where she raised a family with her husband. Her early career was with the phone company during WWII and then continuing over the years in Florida. Her biggest job was raising her children, then delighting in the ever-growing generations of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Evelyn was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church here in Asheville.

She is survived by her three children: Barbara Fotinos (Dennis), David Hemphill (Joy), and Daniel Hemphill (Tammy); six grandchildren; Mark Hemphill, Michael Hemphill, Trey Hemphill, Timothy Fotinos, Andrew Fotinos, and Sara Howell and fifteen great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on May 9 at 2:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice of Henderson County, Manna Food Bank, or Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville.