Iola Evans

Iola Virginia Evans, daughter of the late Richard Morris and Floyd Estelle Thomas, was born on June 28th, 1940 in Hanover County, Virginia and departed this life on Sunday, October 20th, 2024.

She accepted Christ and was baptized at Bethany Baptist Church in Virginia at an early age, and later joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Columbus Ohio, where she served as a Deaconess for 52 years.

Iola attended Hanover County Public Schools and graduated from John M Gandy High School, Ashland, Virginia in 1957. She was commonly known as Virginia or Ginny. She also attended the School of Beauty and Culture Cosmetology and Hair Styling in Ashland, Virginia, receiving her Virginia State Board of Registered Professional Hairstylist certification in 1963. She enjoyed styling hair and had a love for fashion. She was described as classy and often seen wearing beautiful prints, colors and hats. Iola was a talented seamstress who created numerous garments for family and friends. For several years, Iola worked at Chemical Abstracts and later Motorists Insurance where she retired after 25 years of service.

She was introduced Fred Evans Jr. (deceased) through her loving Aunt Henrietta Parrish. Iola followed her heart and ventured off to Ohio where she and Fred exchanged vows and were married in 1964. Iola was loved and respected by all and her faith and family was always the center of her life. She is survived by her loving son Timothy Wayne Evans, daughter-in-law Tabitha Evans; four grandchildren, Cherrokeye Evans, Tylan Daniels, Nadia Evans, Julia Rine; two brothers, John (Agnes) Thomas, Reverend Sherman Thomas and two sisters, Barbara Simpson (Edward) and Linda Jones (Clay); additional sisters-in-laws, Nancy Thomas, Dora Thomas, Helen Ramsaram; brothers-in laws, Howard Evans and James Evans and one aunt-in law, Jeanette Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Her grandson Dominic Evans, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October, 28, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Shiloh Baptist Church 720 Mt. Vernon Ave, Columbus, Ohio with a Funeral Service immediately following. Burial will process to Glen Rest Memorial Estates.

To leave a message of condolence please visit her Tribute Page.