Marian D. Evans

Marian Delores Williams was the first-born child to welcoming parents on May 15, 1931. 

She was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Prince Edward Williams and Emma Frances Moore-Williams. Marian’s arrival was later followed by her beloved siblings, Bertha, Prince Edward (Sonny) and Carol Patricia. They were raised together in a tightly knit family that included a strong extended family structure. Marian had a happy childhood with many great memories. Marian always told delightful stories about her childhood and young adult life in her East Baltimore community.

Marian attended Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from the historic Dunbar High School in 1949.

She was raised in the United Baptist Church under Pastor T.S. Hendershot where she was a member of the Willing Workers ministry. She enjoyed her Christian life and Sunday dinners with extended family members. Her father, a popular musician, ensured that the family home was filled with music and dancing. She often spoke of meeting local musicians and vocalists like Chic Webb and others who visited her home. Marian developed a love for music and movement that continued throughout her life. Marian would often hear her favorite music and dance even as she grew older. She shared that love for music with her children so that most of them are musical in their own genres. Holidays were especially memorable because family and friends would come together in celebration at Marian’s and Thomas’ home.

Marian married the late Leonard Thomas Evans on December 18, 1949 and conceived their first child in the first year of their union. They joyfully welcomed Jacqueline Thomasina. They were blessed with a second daughter, Kimberly Charese. They continued to be blessed with Cheryl Denise and Delores Zola and  finally with two boys Leonard Thomas Jr. who passed on to glory in October, 2014 and with William Leslie, totaling six blessings from God. Marian would entertain her children, family members and friends with the stories about her love affair with her husband, Thomas. Thomas would jokingly greet each addition by announcing that they had to put another “potato in the pot”. Their family was extremely important to them and she exemplified love as an action word. She took great care of her family.

Marian was known for her fiery spirit. Everyone knew that to harm any member of her family was to harm her. She was protective and she was a provider. She kept her children close. She also had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help those in need. More importantly, she was known for her ability to put others first, especially her children and grandchildren. Her kindness, strong work ethic and perseverance was a model for all who knew her. She always fought for the “underdog”.

Marian loved to travel, visiting places like Nova Scotia, the Caribbean, Canada and a host of other destinations. She developed many friendships that would continue throughout her life. Marian always had advice for anyone who wanted to listen and learn. She could “weave a tale” that would have listeners sitting on the edge of their seats. She loved poetry and prose and was an avid reader. She also had a passion for writing having had one of her writings published in the Waxter Center monthly papers. 

Marian was a leader in her family, community and at work. She was a homemaker but when her children were older, became employed by St. Joseph Hospital from 1964 until she retired. She was proud of her accomplishments at St. Joseph Hospital and was extremely proud to have served there in a leadership capacity. She was a role model of strength, fortitude, and leadership for her children and grandchildren.

She demanded that they advocate for themselves and their beliefs. Her legacy of strength and empowerment lives on through them.

Thomas, Marian’s love of sixty-five years passed on before her and now she joins him once again. She is survived by five children, Jacqueline Nunnally-Boyd (Michael), Dr. Kimberly Evans, Cheryl Denise McBride (Norman), Delores Zola Rowlette, and William Leslie Evans; Leonard Evans Jr. preceded her to glory in 2014. She also leaves sisters, Bertha and Carol; brother Sonny (Lorraine); and a beloved sister-in-law, Catherine Evans- Simmons (Raymond); grandchildren, Anton Manning, Daniel Nunnally Jr. (Tiffany), Deitra Rowlette, Norman McBride Jr., Jacqualyn Singh (Brian) and Corrin Hunt (Joshua), will remember her with love.

Marian’s great grandchildren include Sakeame Williams, Destiny Coleman, Noah and TyLeah Francis, Isaiah Reaves-McBride, Kinice Jones, Kesi, Kobe, and Nori McBride. Additionally, Jerrell (Sheara), Kenneth, and Breanna Nunnally, Jaden Hartz, Gabrielle, Kalen and Anton Manning II, Catherine and Carter Singh, Zipporah, Naomi, and Ameena Hunt will miss their beloved great-grandmother with all of their hearts. Marian leaves great, great grandchildren, Skylar Williams, Amari, Aryan, Carleigh, Raleigh, Olivia and Dylan Nunnally and Samia McIntyre.

She also leaves to mourn numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Additionally, she leaves her beloved Seggie Bennett, Tyrone Francis, Beverly Frances Young,Tyrone Jeffers Gia, Talea, and Taylor Edge. Purita Johnson, Nan, Rebecca Pugh, Isabelle Kates, and Bessie who were fast friends and helpmates will always hold fond memories. Marian is well loved and dearly missed.

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