annie m. evans dade
1918-1995
Life Story
Annie M. Evans Dade was born on April 19, 1918, in Southeast Jones County, Mississippi, into the close-knit Evans–Mosley family. She was the daughter of Rev. Horace S. Evans (1879–1967) and Flossie Lee Mosley Evans (1895–1991), both rooted in the rural communities of Newton, Jasper, and Jones Counties. Annie grew up during an era of constant movement for Black farming families seeking opportunities, stability, and better land.
Early Life and Family Background
During Annie’s childhood, her parents relocated between counties as work and community ties shifted. In 1930, the Evans family left Jones County and moved back to northwest Jasper County, settling in the Garlandville community. Life there revolved around church, farming, and extended family, and Annie grew up surrounded by the rhythms of rural Mississippi life.
By 1940, Annie had completed the fourth grade of elementary school—an achievement reflective of the educational opportunities available to African American children in rural Mississippi during the early twentieth century. Like many young women of her generation and community, she helped maintain the home and contributed to farm work alongside her family.
Marriage and Family Life
According to the 1950 census, Annie had married James Dade, and the couple were residing in Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi. There, Annie worked as a housemaid in a private home—one of the most common and steady forms of employment available to Black women in mid-century Mississippi.
From their union came two daughters:
- Ruby N. Dade (born 1941)
- Penny M. Dade (born 1948)
Annie dedicated herself to her household and children while balancing work and the challenges of life in the segregated South. On March 25, 1957, Annie and James filed for divorce, marking the end of their marriage.
Later Years and Passing
Annie eventually returned to her home roots near Altare and Garlandville. She lived a long life shaped by family, faith, and resilience. On June 26, 1995, she passed away at the age of 77. She was laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery in Newton County, joining generations of the Evans family whose history remains tightly woven into the land and community of Altare.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- Hattiesburg American, Mon, Mar 25, 1957 ·Page 9
- U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
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