novella walker evans
1901-1968
Life Story
Biography
October 21, 1901 – December 30, 1968
St. John Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Early Life
Novella Walker was born on October 21, 1901, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Scott Walker (ca. 1880–1952) and Mary Jane Rigsby Walker (ca. 1880–1950). She spent her childhood in the St. John and Newton communities, where she attended local schools and completed the 8th grade of elementary school.
Like many children raised on rural farms in early 20th-century Mississippi, Novella worked as a farm hand on the home farm, helping with seasonal planting, harvesting, and daily chores. She also later worked in the home, with her occupation listed as keeping house.
At an early age, she joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her passing.
Marriage and Family
Novella married Riley Evans of Newton County. Their union produced four children, and the family remained closely connected to the St. John community.
Their known children include:
- Mary Evans Robinson, Columbus, Ohio
- Cora Lee Evans Larker, Mobile, Alabama
- Sammy L. Evans, Modesto, California
- Kelly Evans, Gulfport, Mississippi
Novella was widely respected as a devoted wife, mother, and Christian woman who helped guide her children into adulthood during a period of tremendous social change.
Later Years and Death
Novella continued her membership and service at St. John M.B. Church throughout her life. She passed away on December 30, 1968.
She was preceded in death by several siblings but survived by a large family, including:
- her husband, Riley Evans, Newton
- 16 grandchildren
- two sisters: Mrs. Alma Wesley of Newton and Mrs. Auline Stanley of Milwaukee
- two brothers: Melvin Walker of Chicago, Illinois, and Grover Walker of Newton
- a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends
Funeral and Burial
Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 5, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Otis Ellis, pastor, assisted by Rev. Theron Evans. Tributes were offered celebrating her Christian faith and life of service. She was laid to rest in the church cemetery, with arrangements handled by Holifield Funeral Home of Forest.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Lula Walker Obituary, Wed, May 16, 1962 ·Page 9
- The Newton Record, Novella W. Evans Obituary, Wed, Jan 08, 1969 ·Page 11
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
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