Hattie Lou Evans, April 1, 1912-June 9, 1995, Funeral service Wednesday, June 14, 1995, 12:00 p.m., Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Forsyth, Georgia, Reverend McArthur Childs, officiating

April 1, 1912 -- June 9, 1995 -- Funeral Service--
Wednesday, June 14, 1995 12:00 p.m.
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Forsyth, Georgia Reverend McArthur Childs, Officiating
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On April 1, 1912, there were a lot of things happening in the world: Woodrow Wilson was nominated by the democratic party and later would be elected president, China became the "People's Republic of China," New Mexico became the 47th state, Arizona became the 48th state, Universal Studios was founded, and the greatest ship ever built, the "Titanic," sank.
For us, the most important thing that happened on this date, April 1, 1912, took place in the rural south, on the red hills in the back roads of Monroe County, Georgia when the Lord blessed Gordon Shannon and Mary Colbert with a little baby girl. They named her Hattie Lou Shannon. She was raised by her grandparents Daniel and Georgia Colbert. At an early age she accepted Jesus into her life. Her faith in the Lord was evidenced in all of her actions. The love within her blossomed at an early age, everyone around her could see and feel it. On November 1928, the late Rev. Willie Evans captivated by her beauty and love, dedicated his love to her through holy matrimony. To this union were born 11 children: four daughters, Mary, Shirley, Eddie Bernice and Remona, seven sons, Vince, John (deceased), James, Edison, Rufus (deceased), Roosevelt (Jackie), and Ralph.
Being born in the racist south, on the red hills and back roads of Monroe County, Georgia, life wasn't easy. The way of life dictated marriage at an early age and child bearing. The times were truly hard; she was up in the morning before the break of dawn, she worked in the fields all day long, she took a few peas and beans to make a meal, she took scraps of cloth and clothed her family and beautified the home, she was discriminated against because she was a "strong black woman," yet she made the best of the situations and tasks placed before her. Like "Job" she kept her faith in the Lord and never said a negative word about this life and her place in it.
In her early youth she joined Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and was a faithful member for over 60 years. She was currently the church's reporter. She served faithfully on the Mother Board, the Usher Board, the Missionary Department and her voice uplifted the Choir. She was a faithful member of the Forsyth/ Barnesville Ministers' Wives and Widowers Alliance. Where ever there was a need for a faithful servant, she was there.
Her love extended far beyond the realm of family members, she acquired the nickname of "Little Mama,"for she was a mother to so many. To know her was to love her. In 1994, she was selected Mother Of The Year by the LaQuartz Civic and Savings Club. In the late 70's, her commitment to community service continued through her work at the Voter's Polls.

When others spoke, she listened, with a concerning ear. Her greatest advice was to just be thankful and put your trust in the Lord, for He will make a way. Her words of wisdom were a light for all.
She raised above her humble beginning and was able to see the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. begin to manifest themselves in her own lifespan. She was blessed with children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, aunts, nieces and friends that loved and cared for her. She traveled the world, saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the sites of Europe, cruised the Caribbean, viewed the monuments of our nation's capital and took a seat in the White House to rest awhile.
Detroit, Michigan became her second home. It was the home of most of her children. Whenever they needed her, she was always there; for the birth of a grandchild, for the wedding of a son, daughter, grandchild, and for counseling. If a child was sick she was there holding his/her hand and doing what mothers do best (love and care for their children). Summer vacations in Michigan were so much brighter with her presence.
In California, her love and gentle ways touched the hearts and souls of everyone she met. Her energy, vigor, vitality, love and wisdom inspired all. Those who met her never forgot her even though they only met her once, she left a lasting impression. She loved the landscape and scenery of the west coast from the Walk of Fame in Hollywood to the mountains of Lake Tahoe. She stood above the Golden Gate bridge to peer upon the horizon of the Pacific Ocean.
Her hobbies were many; reading, cooking, sewing, shopping, travelling and gardening. Flowers, were her love. She enjoyed not only growing them, but admiring their beauty.
This joy of our lives leaves to cherish her memory: daughters, Mrs. Mary Lizzie Johnson, Mrs. Eddie Bernice Cunningham of Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. Shirley Ruth Smith of Forsyth, Georgia and Ms. Lula Remona Evans of Lithonia, Georgia; sons, Mr. Vince Evans, Mr. Willie James Evans, Mr. Roosevelt Lewis Evans of Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Edison Evans of Forsyth, Georgia and Mr. Ralph Evans of Richmond, California; daughters-in-law, Annie, Claudia, Diane and Alice; 28 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Ms. Dora Mae Gordon and Ms. Hattie Willis of Atlanta, Georgia; one brother, Mr. M. J. Shannon of Atlanta, Georgia; four sisters-in-law, Lucille, Gussie, Layer and Flora; one aunt, Ms. Zella Mae McKizzie.
The list of her loved ones and those that knew and loved her is too numerous to name. The special bond each of us has with her will live on forever and ever, for she will truly be missed.
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