John Lee Evans

John Lee Evans was born on August 3rd, 1937 in Apex, North Carolina to the late John Henry and Blannie Stewart Evans.  He was the youngest of seven children. 
John attended Mount Zion Baptist Church in his early years in Apex, North Carolina, a place he fondly referred to as home.  He later attended and became a proud member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Upon graduating from high school, John enlisted and served in the United States Air Force for 4 years.  After his discharge, he made New Jersey his home.  His later years were spent in Easton, Pennsylvania.  
John wholeheartedly loved people.  There is nothing that he would not do for someone he saw was suffering or in need.  He was a friend and adviser to everybody both young and old.  He was always positive even when facing tough times and his sense of humor was infectious and constant.  His door always open, he made you feel welcome in his home with a southern home-cooked meal and great conversation, stories and laughs.  He was the consummate family man - NOTHING was more important to him.  As patriarch of the Evans clan, he proudly felt it was his responsibility to ensure that each generation knew that they were part of a VERY special family.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and avid lover of animals. 
He had an entrepreneurial spirit and owned Johnny's Soda Shop in Newark, New Jersey early in his career, which was famous for bringing community together and offering warm hospitality and comfort food.  He spent a 27 year career at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in Newark, New Jersey where he retired as Chief of Property Disposition in 1994.  His entrepreneurial spirit beckoned again and he spent the next 10 years managing Payless Mortgage Corporation in Easton, Pennsylvania.  
John was preceded in death by one brother (Linwood Evans) and three sisters (Flora Mae Harris, Hazel Simms, and Norma Jean Johnson). 
He leaves behind many who celebrate his amazing life and legacy.  He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Ada Evans; two sisters: Margaret Raney and Dr. Nellie Jones; six children: Reginald Vandergriff (Cheryl), Keith Evans, Lorna Smith (Patrick), Lisa, Janet and Jonada Evans; seven grandchildren: Bryce and Natalie Smith and Cara, April, Kristen, and David Vandergriff and James Strickland; four great grandchildren: Hope Nia, Aieko, Liam and Illyana Vandergriff and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and his best friends, two shih tzus: Gremlin and Bluebear.  
What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us. - Helen Keller

Homegoing Services will take place on Monday June 3, 2019 at 11AM in the Main Sanctuary of Greater Shiloh Church 403 Pastor Fred Davis Street, Easton. Visitation begins at 10AM.

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