Ms. Evelyn Handford of Tampa passed away on September 10, 2026. A Celebration of Life in Loving Memory of her will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, 19, 2026 at Integrity Funeral Services, 3822 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa.

She was a woman who cherished family above all else. One of the ways she expressed that love most clearly was through cooking. She loved to cook and especially loved feeding her family. Preparing food was more than a daily task to her; it was part of how she gathered people close, made them feel welcome, and showed her love in a lasting and meaningful way. The table she set and the meals she shared became part of the memories held by those who knew her best.

Evelyn also found joy in the simple pleasures that made life familiar and comforting. She enjoyed watching her favorite television shows, including Law and Order, Monk, and westerns. She loved listening to old school music, and she loved to dance. These interests reflected the lively and joyful presence she brought into a room. She enjoyed herself fully, and that joy reached the people around her.

Beyond her family circle, Evelyn held a special place in her community. She was very respected and loved her community deeply. She watched many grow up to become young women and men, and they respected and looked out for her as if she were their mother. She was described as being like a mother to everyone, a woman whose guidance, care, and steady presence touched many lives. Her influence reached beyond blood relations and into the everyday lives of the people around her. She offered kindness, familiarity, and a sense of belonging, and that made her a cherished figure to many.

She leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry her memory forward: her brothers, Andrew Handford and his wife Chinelle Handford, Connell Handford and his wife Sandy Handford, and Donald Handford and his wife Julie Handford; her daughter, Katherine Wilson; her sons, Andrew Dailey and Claude Dailey; her auntie, Gwen Mills; her uncle, Luther Humphrey; her grandchildren, Javell Dailey, Keonah Dailey, Jacqueline Dailey, Clanetra Dailey, Natavious Dailey, and Dominique Mann; her nieces, Nakeeda Simmons, Lavonda Humphrey, and Connesia Handford; and her nephews, Connell Handford Jr., Johnathan Handford, Donald Handford Jr., Ricky Handford, and Connell Waldron.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Handford; her father, Ralph Handford; and her sister, Annie Pearl Davis.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Integrity Funeral Services.

A SERVICE OF INTEGRITY

Gloria Y. Castillo, LFDIC

Ronald J. Derr Sr. LFDE