Obituary of John M. Evans, Sr.

John M. Evans, Sr, was born on February 18, 1945, in Camden, AL to Joseph Evans, Sr and Julia McIntosh Evans. He was educated in the Monroe County Public School System in Vredenburgh, AL. As a child, he had a love for prayer and was a member of Apple Grove Baptist Church. While growing up in Alabama, John worked on a shipyard and did construction. Yet, he always wanted more for his life and was determined to go after it. At the young age of 18, he relocated to Stamford, CT and later purchased his first home in Norwalk, CT. After relocating north, John worked for various companies but held tightly to his own dream of becoming a successful business owner. He realized that if other people could do it, so could he. He prayed and asked The Lord to make his dream a reality. The Lord knew that if John was going to be a successful business owner, he first had to give him the right partner in life. He met that right partner one lovely day in Stamford, CT. Then, on June 30, 1973, John married the love of his life and business partner, Mary Ann. In 1978, John’s entrepreneurial dream came true when he founded John M. Evans Window & Carpet Cleaning Service, Inc. His customers were so impressed by his work and described it as “Courteous, polite, extremely professional”, “Quick, neat, and efficient”, “Gets the job done without the fuss”, “Excellent.” These stellar reviews won John a spot in the highly respected Connecticut/Westchester Edition of THE FRANKLIN REPORT, an ultimate guide for home maintenance and renovations. This is what THE FRANKLIN REPORT had to say about John’s business: “Clients cannot say enough good things about the husband and wife team behind John M. Evans Window & Carpet Cleaning Service. Established in 1978 by John Evans, the company is now managed by John and his wife Mary Ann and serves mostly residential and some commercial clients in Westport, Greenwich, Weston, Ridgefield, and some parts of Westchester. Sources tell us they appreciate the “neat” and “efficient” service this firm provides and the “moderate” prices that go along with it...” Yes, The Lord answered John’s prayer. To further enhance his spiritual walk, John attended Greater Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Stamford, CT and Grace Baptist Church in Norwalk, CT. He later became a member of Faith Outreach Apostolic Church in Bridgeport, CT under the leadership of his sister, the late Overseer Carrie Loyd. Prior to joining Faith Outreach, he and his wife Mary Ann played a major part in the growth of the church. When it was convocation time, John could be found cooking for God’s people to make sure they ate naturally as well as spiritually. People would line up for John’s FAMOUS, mouthwatering ribs – with the meat falling off the bone! John also shared his professional expertise with Faith Outreach when it was time for the church to get new windows. As a special gift, he sponsored a window for the church that reads the encouraging message, “My anchor holds... ” Loved ones will always cherish the little things that made John, John. They will remember how John loved the color blue, hunting, and going out on his boat to fish in the Long Island Sound. In the springtime, they will recall how John enjoyed growing vegetables but enjoyed bragging about how much his garden yielded even more. When talking about politics, they will chuckle when they think about how John absolutely loved watching MSNBC for hours, especially when Al Sharpton or “All In - with Chris Hayes” was on. If a fair decision needs to be made, friends will hear John saying his favorite phrase, “What's good for the goose is good for the gander.” When they can’t attend church in person, perhaps they’ll watch Joel Osteen like John loved to do and they too will marvel at the way Pastor Joel takes Bible verses and puts them into life lessons. Most importantly, friends and family will never forget how much John loved them. His home was always open. Sounds of endless laughter at cookouts and family reunions that John planned will echo in the ears and hearts of loved ones forever. (The sound of slot machines will echo too! John loved slot machines and won more than he lost!) John Jr. will always cherish his dad’s motivating words, “You can always be what you want to be.” John Sr. was a true example of that statement. He rose above the odds and accomplished his dream of becoming a successful business owner. The life of John M. Evans, Sr, is an inspiration for one and all. On September 25, 2024, John M. Evan, Sr, transitioned from this Earthly life. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Evans, Sr, and Julia McIntosh Evans; three brothers, Jessie Evans, Joseph Evans, Jr., and Isizal Evans, Sr, two sisters, Alma Murray, and Carrie Loyd. Remaining here on Earth to cherish his legacy is his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Ann Evans of Norwalk, CT; one son, John M. Evans, Jr. of Norwalk, CT; two daughters, Belinda Evans of Stamford, CT, and Julia Richardson of Monroeville, AL; four brothers, Abraham (Elvira) Evans of Waterbury, CT, Theodore (Barbara) Evans of Norwalk, CT, Wilmore (Julia) Evans of Bridgeport, CT, and Richard (Charlene) Evans of Burlington, NC; three sisters-in-law, Odessa Evans of Ansonia, CT, Cathy Evans of Torrington, CT, and Rose Evans of Bridgeport, CT; six grandchildren, Tawon Wright and Gary Cheatam both of Norwalk, CT, Raja James of Clearwater, FL, Rashad James of Monroeville, AL, Jerry Richardson, Jr. of Clearwater, FL, and Anana Richardson-Mosely of Columbus, GA; three great-grandchildren, and an adoring host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 10:00AM – 11:00AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00AM at Faith Outreach Apostolic Church, 32 Bond Street, Bridgeport, CT., officiating Pastor Cynthia Bellamy. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Norwalk.