Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA

Obituary For Forster L. Evans, Sr.

The funeral services for the late Deacon Forster L. Evans, Sr., who departed this life on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. from the Venue 82 Center, 1001 East Franklin St., Sylvester, Georgia. Reverend Forster L. Evans, Jr. will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden Cemetery in Sylvester, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the Shipp's Funeral Home Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home page. Viewing/Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 12:00 Noon - 6:00 P.M. from the First African Baptist Church, 606 W. Pope Street, Sylvester, Georgia.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2Timothy 4:6-7

Forster Evans, Sr., departed this side of eternity on Wednesday, May 21, 2024, at his home gathered with family. He was born to the parentage of Albert and Bertha Evans, in Worth County, Georgia on January 20, 1924. He was the eldest of three children born to this union including a brother, Readie Evans, and sister, Sevvie Evans. He was blessed to have three step-sisters, Miami Evans, Lizzie Mae Evans, and Alma Evans; three step-brothers, Jay Evans, Kasey Evans, and J.T. Evans, which all preceded him in death.

At a very early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as he became a life-long member of First African Baptist Church (formerly Brooks Chapel Baptist Church) where he served in many capacities. He faithfully served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for many years until his health began to fade.

He was educated in the Worth County School System. Prior to graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army at age 17, where he served diligently and courageous for three years. During that time, he served in the Korean War. Upon returning home, he graduated from high school as the Salutatorian, accompanied by his future wife Ora Jean Brown as class Valedictorian. He later matriculated at Fort Valley State College and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Agriculture.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Ora Jean Brown, on September 18, 1947. To this union, nine strong and vibrant children were born; Forster Evans, Jr., Victor W. Evans, Albert Evans, Carl Evans, Jeffrey Evans, Sheila Evans, Lillar Evans, Kerry Evans, and Broderick Evans.

From these offsprings, Forster L. and Ora Jean Evans have been proud to witness the lives of 38 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. What a blessing!!

“Dad,” as he was affectionally called by many, was a hard worker that provided extensively for his family and others as well. He cared for people and had a passion for helping others. He will be forever remembered as a strong pillar in his community.

Much of Dad’s time was devoted to community service. He gave unselfishly of his time to make a difference in the quality of service to such organizations as the NAACP, local Voter Registration Drives and spear-heading and supporting other community worthy causes and events.

His additional dedication and commitment included his professional obligations by teaching in Wilkes and Colquitt counties. He worked at the Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base for 30 years. Upon his retirement in 1990, his community involvement and church affiliation always remained a priority in his life.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Dad ended his Christian journey here on earth and went to his new heavenly home from labor to reward. In addition to his late parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Readie Evans; sister, Sevvie Evans Parker; step-brothers: Jay Evans, Kasey Evans, and J.T. Evans; step-sisters, Miami Evans, Lizzie Mae Evans, Alma Evans; sons, Kerry Evans and Victor W. Evans; daughter, Lillar B. Evans; and grandson, Karanja K. Evans.

Dad leaves to celebrate his life, six dedicated and committed children, Rev. Forster (Shirley) Evans, Jr.; Albert Evans, both of Albany, GA; Carl Evans, Sylvester, GA; Jeffrey (Jeanette) Evans, Atlanta, GA; Broderick (Cassandra) Evans of Sylvester, GA; Sheila Evans of Sylvester, GA; and Daughter-in-law, Ellouise Evans of Poulan, GA.

Also celebrating his life is a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and an unmeasurable amount of family members and friends whom he loved dearly.

To Our Dearest Dad – Mr. Forster L. Evans, Sr. – Our Phenomenal Patriarch……. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Guest Book

My condolences to the family and friends a true soldier has taken his rest. Grover McCullors

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To the family my sincere condolences to you all. My mom and I live next door to Deacon Evans for years in that trailer. He was a wonderful neighbor and he will definitely be missed 🙏

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To all of my family members, be of good courage and stay strong in our Lord. Leslie Royster and my ladies

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Vicki and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved grandfather/family member. What a heritage and inspiration he has left! Praise God, he is now celebrating with His Lord and Savior. May his life be an inspiration to his loved ones to follow Christ as he did. Have a joyous time celebrating his life and memory in the service on Friday.

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My prayers are with the family. There are know hurt God can't heal. Linda Sumlin Molden, Class of 1974

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Condolences to the Evans Family. My dad the late Rev. Henry Clark Sr. was Dec. Evans pastor for years at First A.B. in Sylvester. A great man Dea. Evans was. He will be greatly missed. Prayers , comfort, strength and Love to the Evans Family . Sam Clark Jr and Betty.

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Condolences to the Evans Family. My dad the late Rev. Henry Clark Sr. was Dec. Evans pastor for years at First A.B. in Sylvester. A great man Dea. Evans was. He will be greatly missed. Prayers , comfort, strength and Love to the Evans Family . Sam Clark Jr and Betty.

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TO THE FAMILY MY DEEPEST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO YOU DURING THIS TIME. MAY GOD GIVE YOU ALL STRENGTH DURING THIS TIME.. SORRY FOR YOU ALL'S LOSS... +R.I.H+ MR.EVANS "DAD"... Kivett Milton

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This breaks my heart. I have worked at Singletary Tire for 13 years and Mr. Evans was by far one of my favorite customers. I would call once in a while to check on him if he had not been in for a visit. I was so happy to see that he made it to the front of the Smucker's Jelly with Al Roker. Our prayers are for peace and comfort for the family that only God can provide. RIP Mr. Evans, I love you and you will always have a special place in my heart. Mollie Singletary and the Singletary Tire Family

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Oh what a life well lived. Mr. Evans was one of the kindest and sweetest man I ever Known. I know when he saw Jesus he had a big smiled on his face. A servant of God well done and to the Evans and Parker family you have my deepest sympathy. May God be with you during this difficult time.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Shipps Funeral Home, Inc. | Sylvester, GA