lula mae evans knight
1916-1976
Life Story
Early Life and Family Background
Lula Mae Evans was born on August 19, 1916, in the Altare community of Newton County, Mississippi, to Rev. Horace Evans (1879–1967) and Flossie Mosley Evans (1895–1991). She spent her early childhood in a close-knit rural community rooted in family, church, and farming traditions.
In 1920, her family moved to southeast Jones County, Mississippi. By 1930, they relocated again, this time to northwest Jasper County. Throughout these transitions, Lula continued her schooling and had completed the sixth grade by 1940. That same year, she worked as a laborer, averaging approximately 50 hours per week.
Marriage and Children
Around 1940, Lula married Robert Williams. From this union, two daughters were born:
- Helen Gilchrist (1938–2023)
- Minnie Pearl Williams (1940–1995)
By 1950, Lula was separated from her husband and residing in Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi. There, she supported her family by working as a cook in a private home, averaging 30 hours per week. Later that same year, Lula and Robert reconciled, and the family relocated to Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi.
Church and Community Involvement
While living in Hattiesburg, Lula united with True Light Baptist Church, where she served faithfully. She was an active participant in multiple church ministries, including:
- Senior Choir
- Sunday School
- Class Secretary
- Baptist Training Union (B.T.U.) Congress
Her dedication to her church community reflected her deep faith and commitment to service.
Later Years and Second Marriage
Following the end of her first marriage, Lula later married Thomas Knight, with whom she shared her later years in Hattiesburg.
Passing and Legacy
Lula Mae (Evans) Knight passed away on Friday, March 26, 1976, at Methodist Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Funeral services were held at True Light Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. W. C. Davis. She was laid to rest at Altare M.B. Church Cemetery in Newton County, Mississippi.
She was survived by her husband, Thomas Knight; two daughters by her first marriage, Mrs. Helen Gilchrist of Englewood, New Jersey, and Mrs. Minnie McPhail of Purvis, Mississippi; her mother, Mrs. Flossie Evans; and numerous relatives and friends who cherished her memory.
Resting Place
Altare Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995
- 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
- Hattiesburg American, Mrs. Lula Mae Knight Obituary, Mon, Mar 29, 1976 ·Page 2
- The Newton Record, Mrs. Lula Mae Knight, Obituary, Wed, Apr 07, 1976 ·Page 17
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