R.I.P. Eva Mae Isaac Apollo Theatre Legend
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Obituary | Eva Mae Isaac | R. E. Pearson and Son Funeral Home
View The Obituary For Eva Mae Isaac. Please join us in Loving, Sharing and Memorializing Eva Mae Isaac on this permanent online memorial.
With deep love and respect, we honor the remarkable life of Eva Mae Isaac, affectionately known to many as the Queen of the Apollo Theater, who passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at the age of 86, at the Highland Gardens Care Center in Great Neck, NY.
A true icon of Harlem, Eva's legacy is woven into the cultural fabric of New York City. For over two decades, she was a defining presence at the Apollo Theater at Amateur Night and on NBC's Showtime at the Apollo – not as a performer but as a mentor, curator, and champion of emerging talent and stars from the Apollo's early days captivating performers with her commanding presence from Seat #108 in the front row to later years fostering relationships with the Apollo audience spanning from Harlem, NY to Japan. Eva's name became synonymous with the soul, spirit, and legacy of the Apollo.
Born on July 5, 1938, the daughter of the late Sarah and Rev. William Scott, Sr. in Brunswick County, VA. She moved to New Jersey and then New York City at the tender age of 17 as a domestic worker. She married Erskine Isaac, Sr., and resided in Harlem, NY. She was a founding member of the Sexy Mamas and Gentleman Club with the late Alma Clark and John Butler, with the later addition of her dear friend of over 60 years, Mae Anderson, who was affectionally known to her kids as "Aunt Mae."
Eva's talents weren't limited to the spotlight. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, the heart of a vibrant and loving family. Her love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life, from her fondly calling her grandchildren 'sugar-sugar' to her home being a multigenerational gathering place for Thanksgiving dinners, house parties, storytelling, and laughter. Her family lovingly recalls her famous eight-inch tall two-layer cakes, sweet potato pies, potato salad, playing scratch-offs, watching game shows, her unstoppable dance moves well into her seventies, and her unfailing ability to make everyone feel like a star. She was beloved by her Polo Ground housing community, especially the senior citizens center.
Eva Isaac's legacy is one of brilliance, resilience, and deep humility. She is survived by her four sons, Johnnie (Ramona), Walter (Tracey), Erskine (Lenora), and Stanley (Arlene); one daughter, Tracy; 20 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Delphine Isaac and Patricia Scott; two brothers, Deacon George L. Scott Sr., and Ivory Scott; her "adopted" children Jose Bustelo, Patricio Cruz, Leroy King, Jr., George Gillard, Joseph Gray, and Necole Hill, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
She leaves behind a city and family that will forever carry her light. Seat #108 may be empty, but her favorite music by Al Green, Millie Jackson, and Teddy Pendergrass plays on in the hearts of all who knew her. Family and friends will remember her for her bubbly personality, quick sense of humor, hands, and laughter, colorful and slick vocabulary, and her favorite word, "hello!"
She danced, she loved – and she reigned.
Long live the Queen of the Apollo – Our Mother, Ms. Eva!
Peacefully, sleeping, resting at last,
The world's weary troubles and trials are past.
In silence she suffered; in patience, she bore,
Till God called her home to suffer no more.
-Anonymous
RIP.
And the Orange Moron is still walking and breathing…
And the Orange Moron is still walking and breathing…
Ohhh man legendary fan.. I remember her when watching it back in the days
Rip to her cause I've never visited the Apollo but from watching it when it was on tv we,my family recognized her cause she would be the first to the stage or the only person standing up dancing to whoever was up there.
I saw a documentary on her and who she is a few months ago on YouTube and how she was missed at the Apollo but still alive and living in Virginia with her kids.
She'll always be remembered
I saw a documentary on her and who she is a few months ago on YouTube and how she was missed at the Apollo but still alive and living in Virginia with her kids.
She'll always be remembered
That crazy lady who used to run to the front row and grope the male r& b artist lol. Im surprised shes' still been alive all this time r..ip. showtime at the Apollo was the best in black entertainment back then. That was family watch night for my family on sunday night in my house. R.i.p
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Rest in peace. She will be missed.
RIP Mrs Eva
Rest In Peace
RIP
RIP. You don't know how many times over the past few years I've watched Showtime and just knew she was no longer with us. These were the days where people looked 58 even though they were 20 so it makes sense. She was still alive and kicking. Now she running up and down the aisle in heaven.
As Kiki would say
Eva Issac, an Apollo Legend
As Kiki would say
Eva Issac, an Apollo Legend
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