Memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Legacy Hilltop; 1403 Owen's Road, Oxon Hill, M.D. 20745

With family members at her side, Eva Mae Toney Calhoun peacefully transitioned on March 27, 2026, having fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith. From an early age, Eva was clearly one of a kind. Born October 15, 1946, and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Ethel Bradley Toney and Johnie Toney.  It was there that Eva developed her strong personality, her confident voice and her determination to stand firmly in her beliefs.  Throughout her years at Williston Senior High School, "the Greatest School Under the Sun," Eva was quite a force…small in stature but never ignored nor overlooked. She was active on the cheerleading squad, the Annual Staff, the Thespians and the school Hospitality Committee. There was not much that happened without Eva being in the mix. Her desire to become a Social Worker led Eva to continue her education at North Carolina Central University, where she earned a bachelor's degree. As someone with many talents, she used her amazing sense of style and her talent as a seamstress to earn extra spending money at NCCU by sewing clothes for her girlfriends. And if that was not enough, she also took it upon herself to practice piercing her friends' ears. Yes, practice. Consent was implied, courage was required, and symmetry was…optional. We will not ask how many ears survived the experience One thing was clear by this time, Eva had become more fearless, more confident, and unafraid to take charge. During this time, her personality, her intellect, and her desire to serve her community flourished, shaping the outspoken, determined woman who never backed down and always made her presence known. After graduating from North Carolina Central University in 1970, Eva returned to Wilmington, where she worked briefly in the public school system and assisted her family. Eventually, she moved to Washington, D.C. to further her career and explore all the city had to offer. It was there that she met the love of her life, Willie Frank Calhoun. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they formed a bond that lasted for over fifty years. Eva began her professional career of service at United Planning Organization (UPO) in the 1970s, where she rose to serve in several leadership positions. In these roles, Eva became a respected organizational and community leader and advocate, making her voice heard while serving some of the most vulnerable youth, Seniors and families throughout the District of Columbia. Deeply passionate about this work, Eva was known to move mountains to make things happen for the people she so gracefully served.  The grants that she wrote provided funding for the programs needed. As Youth Program Coordinator, Eva established a year-round youth program to provide recreational, educational and community activities. She was frequently acknowledged for the work she did, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives in those communities. After more than 30 years of dedicated service to her community at the United Planning Organization, Eva retired in 2010, carrying with her a legacy of leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment. For strength, guidance, and spiritual grounding, Eva was a faithful member of Ebenezer AME Church, where she nurtured her relationship with God and drew the faith that sustained her throughout her life.  In 1994, Eva and Willie were blessed with their beloved daughter, Katherine, whom they lovingly referred to as, "their angel". Katherine was truly the joy of Eva and Willie's lives. For Eva, motherhood was one of life's greatest blessings. She adored her daughter and left no stone unturned to ensure that Katherine experienced life fully. Eva was fiercely protective, deeply loving, and unwavering in her devotion. Katherine always knew that her mother would take the world on to keep her safe—and that she was profoundly loved by her parents.  Eva has been called HOME…waiting for her there will be Willie Frank, her mother, lovingly called "Mabel" and her father, Mr. Johnie. Eva's life was marked by strength, faith, service, family, humor, and love. Among those left behind to celebrate her life are her daughter, Katherine Nettles; her brother, Nathaniel Toney; her sister, Teresa Toney; her niece, April Nettles (Chuck) and three grandnephews; her nephew, James Nettles; and other cousins and family members. Her legacy lives on through her beloved family, extended family, and the friends she cherished so deeply.

A Courtesy of John H. Shaw's Son Funeral Home