huey “blue” evans
1922-1993
Life Story
Biography of Huey Evans (1922–1993)
Huey Evans was born on December 1, 1922, in Newton County, Mississippi, the son of Elijah Evans (1893–1972) and Fannie Chapman Evans (1892–1965), the parental grandson of Elias Evans (1875-1951) and Rachael Jane Cotton (1874-1971) and the maternal grandson of John Chapman (1875-1953) and Lucindy Walker (1879-1958). He grew up in a close-knit rural community shaped by faith, farming, and the strength of extended family networks. Like many children of his era, Huey entered the workforce early, helping his parents with daily labor. By his youth, he was listed as an unpaid family worker, contributing to the farm that sustained the Evans household.
Early Education and Youth
Huey completed the 3rd grade of elementary school, which was common for African American children in rural Mississippi during the 1930s, when farm requirements and segregated, shortened school terms limited educational opportunities. Despite this, Huey developed a strong work ethic and a dependable spirit that shaped his adult life.
Military Service in World War II
On February 8, 1943, at the height of World War II, Huey Evans enlisted in the United States Army. He trained at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, one of the major training centers for African American troops during the war.
Huey completed his service honorably and was discharged on December 15, 1945. His military years placed him among the thousands of Black servicemen who fought for a country that did not yet grant them full equality—yet he served with courage, discipline, and quiet pride.
Marriage and Family
Huey married Virginia Dare Whitehead (1924–2004), and together they built a loving and stable home rooted in faith and community. Their union produced six children:
- Herman Evans (1943–1999)
- Bobby Jean Evans
- Huey Clinton Evans (1949–2023)
- Inez W. Evans
- Julius Arrandell Evans
- Dwayne Evans
From an earlier relationship with Bessie Mae Evans (1923–1977), Huey was the father of:
- Martha Cornelius Evans (1942–1996)
Huey’s love for family reached beyond the boundaries of his household—his home was known as a gathering place where relatives, neighbors, and friends were always welcome.
A Life of Farming and Community Leadership
By 1950, Huey was farming his own land, representing the independence and pride that came with owning and working one’s property. Agriculture remained the cornerstone of his life, and he carried forward the Evans family’s long tradition of farming in Lawrence and Newton counties.
Huey was also deeply involved in community and civic life:
Church Leadership
Huey accepted Christ early and first joined St. Cloud Baptist Church of Newton. He later moved his membership to Jerusalem Baptist Church of Lawrence, Mississippi, where he served actively as a deacon. He participated in nearly every aspect of church life and became known for his dedication, humility, and willingness to serve.
Cemetery and Community Work
Huey worked with the Lawrence Cemetery Committee, contributing labor and leadership to cemetery upkeep and improvement projects—another sign of his commitment to community responsibility.
Family Reunions and Social Life
Huey’s home served as the central gathering place for the Huey Evans Family Reunion, which was held multiple years. Newspaper reports show:
- Family members traveled from New Orleans, Chicago, Union, and other places to attend.
- Activities included watermelon-eating contests, games, shared meals, and fellowship.
- Huey was recognized as the oldest family member present at one reunion.
These reunions strengthened family ties and preserved shared traditions.
Civic Presence
Huey appeared regularly in community newspapers for various local events, including public programs, night meetings, homemaker club events, and even occasional police court notices, where he received a speeding ticket and a ticket for running a red light in Gulfport, MS in 1955. These appearances in the newspaper reflect the everyday life of a man fully woven into the social fabric of Newton County and the surrounding counties.
Passing and Legacy
Huey Evans passed away peacefully at his home on March 1, 1993, after a long life filled with service to his church, community, country, and family. He is laid to rest at the Union Chapel Methodist Church graveyard in Lawrence, Mississippi.
For fifty years, he walked faithfully beside his wife, Virginia Dare, and together they raised children, welcomed grandchildren, and built a family legacy grounded in strength, unity, and love.
Huey Evans is remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a committed deacon, a hard-working farmer, a proud veteran, and a man whose life helped strengthen the community he called home. His legacy is carried on through his descendants and the many lives he touched.
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- AncestryDNA
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
- The Newton Record, Evans Family Reunion, Wed, Aug 22, 1984 ·Page 12
- Sun Herald, Police Court, Mon, Jan 31, 1955 ·Page 6
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