Mrs. Carrie Rosella Evans

*****NOTE: Please See Corrections to Funeral Service Times & Locations Listed Below**** Carrie Rosella Evans fell asleep at Kairos Dwelling, Kalamazoo, MI and woke up in Jesus’ arms on April 8, 2018. She was surrounded by family singing and praying as she made her peaceful transition. Carrie was born February 6, 1930 in Lexington, MS, the second of five children born to Elra and Mabel McGee. She graduated from high school in Lexington and attended Jackson State University. On January 27, 1951 she was united in holy matrimony to the late Rev. George Evans. To this union they were blessed with four children: Diane, Ruby George, Gordon Earl, and Gregory Mack. She and her husband also raised a granddaughter Renae Evette from the age of 2. Affectionately known as “Miss Carrie”, in 2009 she was the recipient of a special tribute from the Michigan State Legislature, governor Jennifer Granholm, recognizing the over 55 fruitful years she spent as a resident of Buel Avenue, Muskegon, MI. The wife of the late Rev. George Evans, former pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Miss Carrie served faithfully beside him as first lady, usher, Senior Choir member and Sunday School teacher. She was also instrumental in starting the first Vacation Bible School at Shiloh. She was employed for many years as a teacher assistant at Reeths-Puffer Schools. Miss Carrie used her skills to promote education within her family and her neighborhood, giving books to neighborhood children and encouraging them to strive for educational excellence. Miss Carrie enjoyed reading, especially the Bible. The 23rd and 27th Psalms were scriptures that undergirded her faith, and she passionately shared them with her children as they traversed difficult times in their lives. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening, fishing with a cane pole, shopping for dresses, and cooking greens and barbecue. “Grandma Carrie” took special pleasure in cooking her cornbread dressing because it was a favorite of her grandchildren. In 2008, she left her home on Buel Ave. due to her declining health, and came to Kalamazoo to live with her daughter and son-in law, Ruby and Danny Sledge. Shortly after her relocation, she united with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Although she wasn’t able to attend on a regular basis, she always reminded her daughter to “send a piece of money to the church”. Miss Carrie was preceded in death by her parents, Elra and Mabel McGee; her husband, Rev. George Evans; a son, Gordon Evans; and a sister, Mary Ann Wade. Waiting to be reunited with her are her children: Diane (Russell) Kirksey, Grand Blanc, MI; Ruby (Danny) Sledge and Gregory (Susan) Evans, Kalamazoo, MI; daughter-in law, Linda Evans, Lansing, MI; daughter-in-love, Bernice Watson, Kalamazoo, MI; 10 grandchildren: Darius Kirksey, Austin Kirksey, Evan Sledge, Joshua Sledge, Grant Evans, Amanda Watson, Diamonique Salis, Eric King, Renae Evans, and Scottie Evans; 14 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert (Pearl) McGee, Jackson, MS, Elra and Alvin McGee; cousin, Bobby Mitchell, Daly City, CA; a special niece, Lisa Evans; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Carrie Rosella Evans

February 6, 1930 - April 8, 2018