Earl Evans, Jr.
September 25, 1929 - February 14, 2012
Deacon Earl Evans, Jr., son of the late Earl J. Evans and Delcie Alston Ogburn, was born on September 25, 1929 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He departed this life on February 14, 2012.
Earl received his formal education in the Greensboro, North Carolina public school system. Because of his love for the military, he joined the United States Marine Corps in September 1946. During his years of active service, he attained the rank of Sergeant and deployed to places such as Guam and Korea. Earl’s plans as a career Marine ended in 1953 due to injuries sustained while in combat. He received numerous awards and citations including the Purple Heart Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal with one Silver Star, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Award, United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He retired from the Marine Corps on July 8, 1953 with an Honorable Discharge.
Upon being discharged from military service and returning home, he met and married the love his life Madie Louise Vines of Greensboro, North Carolina. This union was blessed with two daughters, Ramona and Frenita.
Earl dedicated over 34 years of Federal Service which included seven years as a Special Policeman for the District Government and 25 years with the Veterans’ Benefits Office in Washington, D.C. from which he retired.
Earl was a fervent believer in Christ. He joined Bethesda Baptist Church on October 26, 1958 and served in the following ministries: Male Chorus, Sunday School, Williams Memorial Bible Class, Men’s Ministry, Leader of Prayer Group 22, Baptist Training Union, Vacation Bible School, Club 66, the Old Timer’s Quartet and numerous activities. He was ordained as a Deacon under the late Pastor, Reverend John D. Bussey.
Earl truly loved life and possessed many talents. He was a creative and intellectual person. He memorized Bible verses and always found things to invent around the house. His other gifts included sewing, cooking, singing, composing music, playing instruments, writing many poems and speeches, often at the request of others. He was an avid fisherman and gardener.
He always stayed involved in one activity or another. Earl volunteered locally at his neighborhood Ardmore Village Association as a Block Captain. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, H Chapter 7 of Bowie, Maryland and the Montford Point Marine Association, Chapter 6 of Washington, D.C.
Among his many achievements, he composed a song for Grandparents Day in the 1990s. He received an Honorary GED in 2006 and most recently became the recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal which is the highest civilian award for his service as one of the first African-American Marines (see links at bottom of page).
Earl leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife, Madie; two daughters, Ramona Reed-Sellman of Capital Heights, Maryland, Frenita (Clarence) Hope of Silver Spring, Maryland; nine grand-children and twelve great-grandchildren. Also, he leaves behind, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lavalle and Hugo Hendricks of Palm Coast, Florida and Reverend Chester (Beverly) Burke, Jr. and a host of other relatives and friends.
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On Wednesday, February 22nd:
Viewing from 9-11 a.m.
Funeral service at 11 a.m.
Both at Bethesda Baptist Church, 1808 Capitol Avenue NE Washington, D.C. (map/directions).
Arrangements by Bianchi Funeral Service.
http://www.theroot.com/buzz/black-marines-awarded-congressional-gold-medal
Viewing - Bethesda Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. - 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service - Bethesda Baptist Chuch, Washington, D.C. - 11:00 a.m.
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