She was born Jan. 27, 1930, to Curtis and Maude Estell Cumber Johnson, in James City County. She attended James City County public schools. Eva joined Chickahominy Baptist Church in her youth, following the footsteps of several generations of her family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Rosa; and three brothers: William Earnest Johnson, Howard Lee Johnson and Alfred Wardell Johnson Sr. 

As a military wife, Eva enjoyed traveling, especially overseas. She lived in France for several years and toured several other European countries. After living in Colorado and Chicago, she returned to Williamsburg. She retired from Eastern State Hospital in 1995, after 26 years of service, and from Colonial Williamsburg in 1999, after 21 years of service. Eva was always a hard worker. She worked those two jobs at the same time. There was no such thing as spare time for her. 

She was kind and very thoughtful. Eva remembered the birth and anniversary dates of her family members and friends, always sending them a beautiful card in the mail. She often kept in touch with a friendly telephone call. Eva had a phenomenal memory. She was a great historian, both of her genealogy and of other people in the Chickahominy community. During family gatherings, she would tell stories of growing up and sharing her vast knowledge of the family tree. 

Her passions were cooking and baking. There wasn't a thing she could not bake, fry, boil or prepare, and she did it all with love. Anyone who has ever worked with Eva has tasted her infamous pound cakes. They would melt in your mouth! Her pound cakes were shared with family, friends, co-workers, and students in the FBI Academy, and they were an annual summer treat for friends in St. Louis. Eva loved her family and friends. No one could stop by for a quick visit without leaving with a Rubbermaid container full of food. 

Another passion of Eva's was watching world news on CNN and MSNBC. She knew the names of most of the senators and other representatives in the state and federal government. She would keep you updated on the daily news around the world. Her nickname was "Barbara Walters." 

Eva leaves to cherish her precious memories, her children: Estell Y. Hollins and John H. Hollins (Cheryl); five grandchildren: Linda Elliott (Michael), Robyn Redcross, Jonathan Hollins, James Adams Jr., and Torey Jefferson (Denise); nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, June Craig Robb and Marilyn Johnson; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Cannon and Shirley Johnson; one aunt, Rosena Cotton; one uncle, Theodore Johnson; her special niece and nephew, Karen Johnson-Robinson and Ronnie Robinson (St. Louis); four loving nieces, Dietra J. Baytop (Williamsburg), Teressa Johnson (Chicago), Brenda Johnson (Stafford), and Rhyan Robinson (Michigan); two loving nephews, Alfred W. Johnson Jr. (Newport News) and Dr. Craig H. Johnson (Yorktown); great-nephews, Cornelius Baytop II and Daniel Baytop; great-niece, Jazmine Johnson; loving cousins, Gloria Tyler (Newport News), Julia Flowers (New Jersey), Alice Rogers (Williamsburg), Annette Paterson (Richmond) and James Johnson Jr. (New Kent); and a host of other nieces, nephews and loving relatives. 

Eva shared a very special bond with four other people she called family: Vincent Morris, Clayton Ashby, Jeanene Wilson and Jasmine Oden. She enjoyed spending time with her special, cherished friends: Frances Burrell, Mary Cowles, Carline Dunkin, Sharmaine Ellis, Veverly Holmes, Harvey Kelly and family, Linda Mason, Pauline Mason, Mary Redcross, Dorothy Smith, Barbara Touchton and Helen Zeigler.

A wake will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 4002 Ironbound Rd., with the Pastor Ronald A. Ellis officiating. 

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188 (www.williamsburghospice.org). 

Arrangements are entrusted to Nelsen Funeral Home-Williamsburg.