evenell evans sanders

1958-2015

Life Story

Birth & Parentage

Evenell Evans Sanders was born on September 25, 1958, to Elijah Evans, Jr. (1915–2002). The identity of her mother is not known. In her own published writing, Evenell stated that her mother passed away in 1971 and had been residing in Chicago, Illinois at the time of her death.

Marriage & Family

Evenell married Gregory Sanders, and together they built a family grounded in faith and resilience. She was the mother of three children:

Wanika Mills
Maurice Sanders
Gregory Jarvis Sanders

Her role as a mother was central to her identity, a theme reflected repeatedly in her writings, poetry, and public expressions of faith.

Faith, Writing & Community Life

Evenell Sanders was a woman of deep faith who expressed her beliefs through writing, poetry, and public testimony. Over the years, she contributed poems, reflections, and announcements to the local newspaper, addressing themes of motherhood, Christian devotion, gratitude, and perseverance.

Before her death, Evenell authored her first book, written during her battle with cancer. The work was not intended as a professional or academic publication but as a personal testimony, offering encouragement to others facing hardship. The title of her book was:

My Life Experiences: From Having Cancer to Finding Out God Is the Answer — A Little Bit of It All

In her own words, she explained her purpose for writing:

“My book can perhaps help you not to make the same mistakes I’ve made in my life. At the same time, knowing something about God and all He can do if you are willing to let Him come into your life and to have a relationship with Him can change your life too. Writing this book is my heart’s desire, a dream come true, and I truly believe it is a part of my purpose mission that God has called me to do not just to benefit myself, but some others too, who are in need.”

Community newspaper notices document book signings, benefit events held on her behalf during her illness, and public expressions of support—illustrating the strong network of faith, family, and community surrounding her.

Illness & Death

Evenell Evans Sanders passed away on September 12, 2015, following a battle with lung cancer. Her illness and recovery journey were shared openly through her faith writings and community testimony, reflecting her desire to encourage others through personal experience.

Burial

Evenell was laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, returning home to the church and community that shaped much of her spiritual life.

Legacy

Evenell Evans Sanders is remembered as a woman of faith, a devoted mother, and a writer who chose honesty and testimony over polish. Through her book, poems, and public expressions, she left behind a record of belief, struggle, gratitude, and hope—offered not as perfection, but as truth from the heart.

Resting Place

Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard

Photos/Albums

Sources

U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
Scott County Times, Thanking Jesus On Thanksgiving Day, Wed, Nov 26, 2003 ·Page 9
U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019
U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
My Life Experiences: From Having Cancer to Finding Out God is the Answer – A little Bit of it all.

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