Evelyn Pankey McCorkle of Lexington, Virginia, educator and community leader, died on April 28, 2015.

She was born on April 25, 1920 in Arvonia, Buckingham County, Va., the daughter of the late William Alvis Pankey and Mary Miller Pankey.

She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, William Frantz McCorkle; and her six siblings, William Anderson Pankey, Catherine Pankey Payne, Louise Frances Pankey, Annie Miller Pankey, Elizabeth Pankey Bland, and Thomas Maury Pankey; a nephew, Robert L. Bland; a niece, Betty Ruth Pankey Boyers Ransom; a great niece, Jennifer M. Pankey; a great nephew, William Foster Boyers; and a great-great niece, Jennifer Ainsley Bryant.

She is survived by her son, William Frantz McCorkle, Jr., of Lexington; two nephews, William Anderson Pankey III (Caroline) and George H. Pankey (Susan), of Buckingham County, Va.; a niece, Charlotte Pankey Harper, of Keswick, Va.; and a number of great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. McCorkle was a 1942 graduate of the State Teachers College, Farmville, now Longwood University. She began her teaching career in Prince Edward County then in Hopewell, Virginia. She married William Frantz McCorkle on October 13, 1945 in Hopewell. Moving to Lexington in the summer of 1946, she taught for two years at Ann Smith School. From 1948 to 1977, she operated a private school, primarily kindergarten and first grade in her various residences. Mrs. McCorkle's schools provided a valuable educational foundation to children in the community, especially during the many years before public schools instituted kindergarten programs.

After closing her private school, Mrs. McCorkle substitute taught in local public schools until returning to full time teaching in the Rockbridge County schools in 1979, where she served at Effinger and Fairfield elementary schools. After retiring in 1986, she substitute taught regularly in the county schools, primarily the high schools, until 2006. She was honored by the Interact Club at Rockbridge County High School for outstanding community service and for making a great contribution to the school as a long-time substitute teacher. Mrs. McCorkle remained a loyal alumna of Longwood University throughout her life, leading a local alumnae chapter, and helping to organize class reunions. At Longwood's Founders Day ceremonies in 1997, she received the Alumni Distinguished Community Service Award in recognition of her outstanding career in private and public education.

A member of Lexington Presbyterian Church, Mrs. McCorkle sang in the choir for more than 60 years. She was an elder, serving on numerous church committees. As a young adult, she was a circle member and chairman, directed a Vacation Bible School, and was one of only two women named to the steering committee of a major capital campaign. For a number of years she convened a monthly Evening Fellowship program, and over many decades she was known for setting and decorating tables for church dinners and luncheons, and for organizing countless receptions for funerals and other celebrations, notably annual recognitions of new confirmands.

In 2008 she was awarded an honorary life membership by the Presbyterian Women. With her husband, Mrs. McCorkle participated in functions of the Virginia Bankers Association and Rotary International, and in activities of local organizations, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Rockbridge Chapter, the Rockbridge Historical Society, the Ruth Andrson McCullough Chaper of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, and The Rockbridge Concert-Theatre Series. They were influential in obtaining from United Virginia Bank the founding grant for the Rockbridge Chorus and Orchestra in 1975, and were among the original founders of the Friends of the Rockbridge Choral Society. Mrs. McCorkle remained an avid supporter, advocate, and attendee of fine arts events and performances. She was a devoted supporter of Camp Maxwelton and Camp Lachlan.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at Lexington Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. William M. Klein and the Rev. Dr. R. David Cox officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Mrs. McCorkle's memory may be made to the Mary Monroe Penick Music Endowment at Lexington Presbyterian Church, 120 S. Main St., Lexington, VA 24450; to the Friends of the Rockbridge Choral Society, P. O. Box 965, Lexington, VA 24450; or the Maxwelton and Lachlan Foundation, P. O. Box 2201, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

The Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements.