Mrs. Leola Evans (nee Daniels) was born to Asa and Essie Mae Daniels (both preceding her in death) on August 8, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio. Wise beyond her years, Leola was an exceptionally intelligent young lady who graduated from Rawlings High School and received her college degree from Cuyahoga Community College in addition to her Deaconess Certification from Maranatha Bible College.

Leola worked at Dearings Restaurant beside her mother for many years as well as at the family’s restaurant. Upon receiving her degree, she became gainfully employed with Cleveland Public Schools (CPS) working at John W. Raper and Parkwood Elementary schools, Patrick Henry Junior High, and CPS Technical Services office. As a librarian, tutor, secretary and finally as an Executive Secretary upon her retirement, Leola worked diligently to serve students, parents and the community.

Leola loved reading and had an extensive home library which included an array of books from children’s, to educational, fiction, and nonfiction. Often times she tutored children in the neighborhood who struggled with their reading, writing and math skills. Her greatest joy was teaching them to write reports using her prized Childcraft Encyclopedia set.

As an avid music lover, her collection included Gospel greats such as Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Norwood, and the Caravans; the contemporary sounds of John Denver, Helen Ready and Kenny Rodgers and of course, R &B greats Smokie Robinson, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes and The Temptations.

Leola married William Frank Evans Jr. (preceded her in death). She leaves behind two sisters, Jeannette Joyner (Edward), Marion Skinner (Sterling) and two brothers who preceded her in death, Thomas and Leon. Her four children; Martin L. Daniels (Sandra), Felicica L. Evans (preceded her death, Marnessa P. Vital (nee Evans), and Edmond W. Evans Sr. (Charlotte); 11 grandchildren, Martin Jr., Maurice (Reesie, preceded her in death), Vincent, Jamel, Alexander (Alexandria), Tairi, Darcia (Jerry Jr.), Douglas, Edmund Jr. (Kamberleecia), Quentin (Marcella) and D’Amonte; 13 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, church members, Friends For Life Senior Center friends, and her kind hearted professional care giver, Cy Johnson.

In November 2006, Leola moved to Waco, Texas with Edmond and Charlotte where she was active in her community and church. One of her greatest loves was teaching and playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, in addition to putting together puzzles, painting and word search books.

As a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Leola was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church under Reverend Lonnie Martin (Cleveland, Ohio), New Fellowship Baptist Church under Reverend Frederick Knuckles (Cleveland, Ohio) and currently at Carver Park Baptist Church under Reverend Gaylon P. Foreman.