Mary Jean Evans by Jerry Madison Harrison

Rev. Mary Evans

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed.”

Revelations 21:4

Acelebration of life for Reverend Mary Jean Britt Evans, Mary Jean Williams only child and daughter of the late Mrs. Marie Antoinette Forbes Hodges and the late Mr. Johnnie Williams. She was born in Memphis, TN on April 29, 1934. She was the wife of the late Charlie Ed Thomas, Robert Lee Britt, and late Willie James Evans, Jr. To these unions four children were born: Ms. Ingrid Blackledge, Charlie Ed “Chuck” Thomas III (Sherri), Robert John Cleveland Britt, and Willie James “Hollywood” Evans III (Natasha). Her children blessed her with nine grandchildren: Elnora (Fredrick) Blackledge-Lee, Rev. James L Blackledge, Jr., Keenan Joseph Thomas, Charles “Chuckie” Letarick Thomas, Donna Leavelle, Sojourney Jones-Britt, Willie James Evans, IV, London James Evans, and Liberty Evans. 10 great-great-grandchildren, an Uncle, Esquire Attorney George (Mary) Forbes, LLC, an Aunt Roberta Forbes, a special cousin (Ana Brown-Duncan), and a host of family and friends. She is preceded in death by her son, Mose Thompson Britt.

Mary Jean was a graduate of Hyde Park Elementary and Manassas High School. In high school, she was very active in the speakers and writers club, Spanish club, Manassas glee club, home nursing club, newspaper staff, captain of cheerleaders, majorette, and honor student. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Xavier University, New Orleans LA. She received a Master’s Degree in Education from Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, TN, she earned several credit hours at Lemoyne Owen College, Memphis State University, George Peabody College, Nashville, TN, and the University of TN at Chattanooga TN to continue her education in Doctoral studies.

After graduation from Xavier University in Music-Education, she taught at the following schools; Mound Boyou High School, Mound Boyou, MS where she taught vocal music and choir, E.A. Harold Elementary in Millington, TN, 5th grade, Alonzo Locke Elementary, 5th

Grade, and Hanley Elementary, 5th Grade where she also started the first Elementary Glee Club in the Memphis City School System. She taught Junior High Vocal Music at George Washington Carver High School, she taught Senior Vocal Music and Choir at Southside High School, and Vocal Music and Choir @ Melrose High School. She was the longest serving music teacher in Melrose’s history. She was the yearbook advisor for eight years before she retired introducing Melrose Highschool’s first colored Yearbook. Her Choirs were affiliated with the West-Tennessee Chorus, All-State Chorus, and Scrounge Choir Participation where she won numerous Awards and Trophies.

She was an ordained Elder in the AME Zion Church, Memphis TN, and was appointed Pastor of Princeton Chapel AME Zion Church, Memphis TN. She also Pastored Eureka AME Zion Church in Courtland, MS, (14 years) and Boyd Street AME Zion, Memphis, TN until her retirement in January 2000.

She was also Conference Musician West-TN/Mississippi Delta Conference.

She was a member of the MEA/ NEA/WTVA and responsible for many students becoming professional musicians in the music area, in churches, recording artists, choir directors, and musicians for the churches. Such as Anita Ward, Melvia “Chick” Rodgers Williams, Billy Rivers, and the late Rev. Roy Young. She also helped so many students get scholarships for colleges to further their education.

She was the pianist for Good Samaritan UMC (Faith UMC), and Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, USA. She served her community well. We love her and will miss her dearly. She loved her four children and grandchildren. She loved people and was always lending a helping hand to those who needed help.

The Legacy, The Heritage, and The Mantle of Prayer are now passed on to us to pick up and continue in it. She is now resting in the arms of ‘Jesus” as we celebrate her life today.

herished CMemories

Order of Celebration

Saturday, May 22, 2021 • 11:00 A.M.

Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church

1248 Haynes Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Dr. Melvin Charles Smith, Pastor Pastor Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., Officiating

Processional

Selection..........................................................Lord’s Tabernacle Holiness Church Choir

Scripture Readings:

Old & New Testament.........................................................................Melvin Tate Life Church

Prayer.............................................................................................................Melvin Tate

Solo....................................................................................................Lady Crystal Jones

Breakthrough Church of God by Faith

Expressions of Love

(Three Minutes Please)

Mrs. J. Hoskins - Neighbor/Friend

Mr. L. Bridges - Retired Principal, Melrose High School

Selection..............................................Mrs. Melvia “Chick” Rodgers & Mr. Billy Rivers Melrose Alumni Glee Club

Words of Encouragement............................................................Pastor Melvin Kneeland Lord’s Tabernacle Holiness Church

Expressions of Love

The Honorable W.W. Herenton

Evangelist Elnora M.A. Blackledge-Lee (Granddaughter) Kingdom Seekers International Ministry of Arts

Acknowledgements/Resolutions........................................................Ms. Ana M. Duncan

Selection..........................................................Lord’s Tabernacle Holiness Church Choir

Eulogy...............................................................................Pastor Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr. Pastor, The New Olivet Worship Center

Recessional

THE BROKEN CHAIN

We didn’t know that morning God was going to call your name... In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same... But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.

~Acknowledgements ~

A friendly smile, a casual touch, these are things that mean so much. To know you are with us in our time of sorrow, sharing our prayers, today and tomorrow. God gives us the comfort in the form of family and good friends. May His peace be with you, His love never ends.