Evelyn Louise Bean

EVELYN LOUISE BEAN (EVERLINA) was born on December 25, 1931, to the loving union of Jasper and Effie Bean. Spending her adolescence and formative years growing up in Holly Springs, MS and then Memphis, TN, Evelyn attended Carnes Elementary School and Manassas High School. Finding great value in prioritizing her education she then successfully graduated from Henderson Business College. Being an ambitious go-getter, Evelyn soon relocated to Chicago, IL seeking opportunity where she would lay down roots and begin expanding in the professional realm. After much navigation she landed a position as a United States Government employee with the Social Security Administration, Office of Hearings and Appeals and Administrative Courts. As a Social Security Classification Officer and Hearing Analyst, Evelyn was not only the first woman, but the first African American in this role; a position she held with pride. Fighting through the hardships of being “the first” Evelyn felt that these moments contributed to her overall growth as a woman and faith as a believer (even though she absolutely loved her job, and the many relationships formed). With the faith of a mustard seed, in a foreign city, Evelyn continued to persevere. After 28 years of dedicated service and commitment, she retired from this role on December 31, 1988 to travel and spend more time with family. She frequented Las Vegas, California, Virginia, her home of Tennessee and absolutely loved Caribbean cruises. It was no secret that Evelyn was a proud walker of the Christian faith, as her faith in the Lord was an imperative aspect of her life. At the young age of 9 years old, Evelyn accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Golden Leaf Missionary Baptist Church (Rev. L. A. Hamlin, Memphis, TN). Continuing her growth as a believer in Christ, during her initial years in Chicago, she joined Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church (Rev. M. G. Ward, Chicago, IL) where she served on the Usher Board, sang in the Inspirational Choir, attended Sunday Church School and the Baptist Training Union. All leading to her Christian Education at Moody Bible Institute. In 1960, Evelyn united with her beloved forever church home Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. W. N. Daniel. Becoming extremely involved, as she viewed her church home as her family and village, Evelyn was a member of many ministries. She was an active Sunday School Teacher, Director and Teacher of the Church Membership Orientation Class, Prior Women’s Day Chairman, Speaker, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Church Bulletin Editor and held many other positions in the Christian Ministry. Most of all, Evelyn was a proud Evangelist serving as a Counselor for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusade, Northwood River Baptist District Association, Illinois State Convention and the National Baptist Convention. Evelyn departed her fruitful and beautiful life at 92 years young. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Marshall and Edward Clay Bean.

Evelyn Louise Bean

December 25, 1931 - August 10, 2024