Gladys E. Evans was born January 19, 1937, in Pine Hill, Alabama, to the late Reverend Sherman Hollins and Annie B. Johnson.  She moved to St. Louis, MO at the early age of 5 and was educated in the public school system.

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined True Light Baptist Church, under the pastorate of her stepfather, Reverend Leroy Johnson.

Gladys moved to Cleveland, OH at the age of 18, where she visited Canaan Baptist Church.  She soon united with Open Door Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Reverend A. P. Hines, where she had a singing ministry for 17 years.  On the 4^th Sunday night services, you would hear her singing songs like “Yes Jesus Loves Me” and “Something got a hold of me.”  She truly loved the Lord.

She had three children, Keith, Kim, and Brian from a previous marriage.  Gladys married Lee Evans in 1976, which added seven additional children.  She joined him and served many years at Union Grove Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, New Membership Class, and Bible Study, and constantly worked on the church Anniversary Committee.

Gladys was a member of the Flight of Glory Drama Group, where they visited churches singing and praising the Lord in a play.  She attended and graduated from Warren Bible Institute at New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church.

Gladys and Lee later moved their membership to Calvary Hill Baptist Church, under Pastor John W. Ribbins, III.  She served faithfully up until her passing.  She was a mother of the church and loved teaching her Sunday School class, the Sunshine class for over 20 years.  She truly loved her class; they were all doing sweet and loving things for her.  There are no words to describe the love she had for her Pastor.  She affectionally called him son, and he became part of the family as “the chosen one”.

Gladys completed Nursing School and was employed with the Visiting Nurses Association for 32 years before retiring.  She advanced and became the “All for You” program coordinator.  She gave up the position after several years because of the nuisance of the beeper and paging system.  She did not like being awakened at night.  LOL!  She conducted Blood Pressure Clinics at senior center sites throughout Cleveland.  Gladys loved people!

Gladys adored her family, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for her children and grandchildren.  She was loved by her children and traveled extensively in and out of the country with them.  She always found quality time with her grandchildren; each one had an unequally special place in her heart.  They were all smiles when they got those private white envelopes from their grandmother.  She had a special way of uplifting people.  She was affectionately known as a mother to many others, including Rev. Robert Gentry (Verona).  Her highlight for her birthday this year was receiving a birthday card from President Joseph Biden.

Gladys loved cooking, singing, traveling, teaching Sunday School, attending her new exercise class, and most of all spending time with her family.  Many people loved and respected her.

Gladys was preceded in death by her late husband Reverend Lee Evans, Sr., and two daughters, Gail Evans, and Betty Ailer, eight sisters; Dorothy Washington, Pearline Foster, Lauretta Oliver, Rosalie Kidd, Marion Washington, Evelyn Jennings, Quanita Johnson, and Gwendolyn Washington, Three brothers; Odell Johnson, Arthur Johnson, and James Johnson.  Gladys leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving children; sons Keith Albert (Donzella), Richard Evans, Lee Evans Jr. (Annette), and Larry Evans, all of Cleveland, OH, Brian Albert (Tonya) of Ashburn, VA, Greg Evans of Phoenix, AZ; Daughters Kim Donaldsons (Gregory), Bernice Clouder and Elaine Woods all of Cleveland, OH, Brother Willie Muse, Montgomery, AL, and sister Constance (Jimmie) Gladney, Cincinnati, OH.  Grandchildren; Kaila Albert, Monique Donaldson, Dr. Brandon Albert, Keith Albert Jr., Gregory Donaldson II, and Kristen Albert.  Great grandchildren; Major Batie, Oliver Serraglio, and Celeste Donaldson; along with a host of other relatives and friends.