james clyde evans

1918-1990

Life Story

Early Life & Family

James Clyde Evans, Sr. was born on June 12, 1918, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Rankin Evans (1883–1961) and Viola Dawkins Evans (1886–1983). He spent his early years in Newton County, growing up within a large extended family network rooted in faith, labor, and community ties.

Education

James completed the 4th grade of elementary school, a level of education typical for many African Americans of his generation in rural Mississippi, where economic necessity often required children to enter the workforce at an early age.

Marriage & Family

James Clyde Evans married Bonnie J. Carter (1934–2013). Together they built a family that later extended beyond Mississippi, reflecting the broader Great Migration patterns of the mid-20th century.

From this union, three children were born:

Lisa Evans
James Evans
Waeron Carter Evans

The family was further blessed with two grandchildren. James also maintained close relationships with extended family members, including his siblings and godchild.

Employment & Work Life

James was employed as a truck driver, an occupation that placed him among the many Black men of his era who supported their families through skilled, physically demanding labor. Truck driving offered both mobility and steady employment and was a common pathway for men who migrated or worked between Southern and urban centers.

Church Membership & Faith

Later in life, James became a member of Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, while maintaining strong ties to Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Newton County. His funeral services reflected this dual church connection, with services held in both New Orleans and Newton.

Death & Burial

James Clyde Evans, Sr. passed away on March 13, 1990, in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the age of 71. Funeral services were held on March 16 at Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church in New Orleans and on March 17 at Saint John Baptist Church in Newton County. Burial took place at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Jerome Owens officiating.

Survivors & Legacy

James was survived by:

His wife, Bonnie J. Carter Evans
Three children: Lisa, James, and Waeron Carter Evans
Two grandchildren
Two brothers: Welton Evans and Oscar Evans
Three sisters: Lois Atkins, Irene Williams, and Emma Rigsby
A godchild, Tara Wilson

Arrangements were handled by Whitehead and Sons Funeral Home.

James Clyde Evans, Sr.’s life reflects the story of a working man whose roots remained firmly planted in Newton County even as his adult life extended into New Orleans—linking Saint John M.B. Church to a wider Southern and urban Black experience.

Resting Place

Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard

Photos/Albums

Sources

1920 Federal Census
1940 Federal Census
U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
The Newton Record, James Clyde Evans, Sr. Obituary, Wed, Mar 21, 1990 ·Page 2
U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014

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