curtis evans
1923-1994
Life Story
U.S. Army Veteran – World War II
Laid to Rest at Biloxi National Cemetery
Birth and Family
Curtis Evans was born on May 7, 1923, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Shelby Evans (1893–1976) and Mary Wesley–Moncrief (1900–1934). After his mother’s passing when he was a child, Curtis and his siblings grew up within the strong network of the Evans and Wesley extended families.
Childhood and Early Responsibilities
Curtis worked as an unpaid family farm laborer throughout his youth, contributing to the household economy like many children in rural Newton County. He completed the 6th grade of elementary school, a level typical for Black children in segregated schools with limited resources.
Military Service
During World War II, Curtis served honorably in the United States Army, entering service on February 8, 1943, and receiving his discharge on December 1, 1945. His service places him among the many Evans men who fought during the war, contributing to a proud family legacy of military duty.
Marriage and Adult Life
By 1950, Curtis was married to Gladys Thornton (1923–1984). He later relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he lived for 40 years in Gulfport. He worked as a laborer and remained active in his Baptist faith throughout his adulthood.
Survivors
According to his obituary, Curtis Evans was survived by a large and loving family network:
- Longtime companion:
- Georgia Rogers
- Brothers:
- Elisah Evans of Chicago
- Jimmy Evans of Detroit
- L.A. Adkins of Jackson
- Sisters:
- Bernice Thomas of Chicago
- Lena Hardy of Chicago
- Annie Adkins of Chicago
- Sarah Sanders of Hattiesburg
- Stepson:
- Willie Rogers, Moss Point
- Bobby Rogers, Gulfport
- Stepdaughters:
- Shelly Cole, Gulfport
- Bonnie Rogers, Gulfport
- Grandchildren:
- Seven, names not listed
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Coreen Cox Evans, his brother Virty Evans, and his son Curtis Evans Jr.
Death and Burial
Curtis Evans died on May 29, 1994, in Biloxi, Mississippi. In recognition of his military service, he was interred at Biloxi National Cemetery, where he rests among fellow veterans.
Legacy
Curtis Evans’s life stretches from the cotton fields of Newton County to military service overseas and a long, settled life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His story reflects the migration patterns of many African Americans of his generation—moving from rural farm labor to coastal and urban life, reshaping opportunities for themselves and their families.
His memory continues through the many siblings, stepchildren, and grandchildren who survived him, and through his honored place among the nation’s veterans.
Resting Place
Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- Sun Herald, Curtis Evans Obituary, Fri, Jun 03, 1994 ·Page 2
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2019
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