Lydia Ann Evans Jr.

Lydia Ann Evans Jr.

Cedar Rapids

Lydia Ann Evans Jr. (O’l Lit), was born on March 3, 1943, to Nelson and Lydia Evans in Chicago, IL. Lydia was the fourth of six children born to the couple. Always a fighter ,Lydia’s life was forever changed by a childhood illness that left her with intellectual limitations, however she did not let these “limitations” stop her from pursuing her best life.

Lydia accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful, tambourine-playing, all-day Sunday and Friday night Tarry Service-going member for many years prior to moving to Cedar Rapids, IA. After moving to Cedar Rapids, she became an active member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where until she fell ill, she was an active member of the Senor Choir. She also attended Sunday School and the Tuesday Mission group. Along with her niece LeShawn and other missionaries, Lydia created the Lydia’s Kids Christmas Gift Give Away. When trouble or sickness arose, she would recite Psalms 51.

While in Chicago, Lydia found joy in keeping the lawn at the family home. She loved to make sure that her “grass looked good” and wanted” those kids to stay off her grass.” Lydia had talents including being one of the best dancers in the room. She also loved coloring before it became trendy, and she would create masterpieces that she could not wait to share. Lydia was also the best baby rocker, and you could always count on her to calm down a fussy baby. Lydia took pride in her job at Goodwill for years. In her later years she attended the Milestones and Goodwill Dayhab programs.

Lydia was preceded in death by her father Nelson Sr., mother Lydia Sr., and sisters Alice, Theresa, and Elizabeth (McKinney). She was also preceded by her niece, Alice Evans, and nephew Nelson Evans III. Those left to cherish her memory include her brother, Nelson Jr., and sister Pearl Gill (Bernard). She also leaves nieces Alizabeth Jetter, Gladys Evans, Nicole McKinney, LeShawn Smith (Marques), Brittney Mitchell, and nephews James McKinney Jr., Araf Evans Sr., and Jordan Burgett along with a host of great-nieces and -nephews and her “baby” Wakeisia “Coco” Barlow. Also missing her are her first cousins, Carolyn Morris, and Robert Scott, as well as the younger generation of cousins. Lydia also leaves behind those she called “friend” including her last roommate and special friend, Ms. Sadie Mattson. We will each miss Lydia in our unique way.

Homegoing Services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.