Barbara Evans

Barbara Thomas Evans (Mrs. January) was born on May 28, 1942, in Houston, Texas to Lola Thomas of Mamou, Louisiana and Joe Johnson of Eunice, Louisiana. Her early childhood was spent in DeRidder, Louisiana where she was nurtured by her mother; aunts, Anna Thomas Celestaine (DeRidder, La), Ezella Thomas Noel (Sacramento, Ca); and godmother, Edna Cunningham (Oakdale, La). Under the influence of these women, Barbara was rooted in a foundation of Christian love and community service.

Barbara confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. K.E. Robinson. Years later, she returned to her home church and served faithfully as a youth leader for many years. She was a director of Vacation Bible School, worked with Sr. Red Circle, Sunshine Band, Youth Choir, and supported the DeRidder Community Choir and youth ministries of the Northern Region - Calcasieu Association-La Baptist State Convention. When no longer independently mobile, she continued her worship through virtual attendance at her church and the Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church of Richmond, Texas.

Barbara attended the boarding high school, Holy Rosary Institute in Lafayette, Louisiana and received her diploma May 27, 1959. She furthered her education by receiving her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Grambling State University and her Master of Education from McNeese State University. Barbara touched the lives of many students during her numerous years as an Elementary Teacher. She touched the future by teaching in New Jersey, Texas, and Louisiana (Cameron and Beauregard Parish), retiring as a Special Education Teacher. 

Barbara’s community service extended beyond the walls of church and state. In the late 60’s she served as a Brownie Troop Leader in DeRidder. On April 26, 1992, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, Sigma Chi Omega Chapter in Ft. Polk (Ft. Johson), La contributing to the mission of “Service to all Mankind”. 

God, with infinite wisdom, allowed Barbara to live a full life. She enjoyed teaching, traveling, making praline candy, playing games - especially Scrabble – and spending time with her family and friends. On January 24, 2025, Barbara peacefully passed away during her sleep. She wa preceded in death by her parents; her eldest child, Tovie Michelle Stewart Davis (2019) and her grandson, Kelvin Andre Davis, Jr. (2023). Memories of the life she lived are left to be cherished by the Thomas lineage: Eva C. Gunter, Marva C. Bluitt (Wilbur), Ann Story (Matthew); her sister and children’s aunt, Judy Stewart Cochran; her children: Nichelle Ann Stewart Everett and Pernell Purvis Stewart, Sr. (Felicia); grandchildren: Kelvinski Davis, Pernell Stewart, Jr., (Monic), Terrell Stewart, Kendra Davis, Mikala Everett, Morgan Everett, Darion Stewart; great grandchildren: Kierstin Edwards, Amaya Stewart, Harmonee Stewart; fur great grands: Katie Davis, Pumpkin Everett, Marvin Everett; her niece, Tisha Winfield (Xaxier); bonus children: Anthony Evans, Parish Evans (Robin), Beatrisha Evans, Carla Evans Katya (Hershal); bonus grandchildren; Jasmine Evans, Demarcus Evans; goddaughters: Franketa Frank, Clarice Martin; and a host of cousins, nephews, and dearly loved friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. "Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony" begins at 6:30pm, also at Myers Colonial Funeral Home, 3178 US 190, DeRidder, Louisiana 70634. Visitation will continue at 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA. Pastor Robert Simpson, Jr. (Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church, Richmond, TX) and Reverend Daniel Stafford will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.