Mary Gretta (Wilson) Evans

Mary Gretta Evans was born on March 10, 1932, in Washington D.C. to Frank James Wilson and Ella Lee
Wilson (Hamilton).
Mary, affectionately known as “Frankie” by her close family members, transitioned from this life on
Friday, June 6, 2025.
Mary was raised in Johnson City, Tennessee. She attended Bennett College, an all-girls HBCU in
Greensboro, North Carolina where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education and then taught in her
hometown of Johnson City. She married William Evans Jr. on December 26, 1955 and moved to Chicago,
Illinois. After the birth of their children Edith and Ronald, they moved back to Tennessee to be with
family. About a year later, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where they both taught for the
Grand Rapids Public Schools. During those years, Mary earned her master’s degree from Michigan State
University and continued to teach until she retired in 1987. During her retirement she became a
cherished member and music director for St. Phillips Episcopal Church. Throughout her life, Mary found
joy in traveling around the world, singing with the Grand Rapids Symphony Choir and enjoying time with
friends and family.
Mary is survived by her daughter Edith Hyde (Mike), son Ron Evans (Dawn), grandchildren Nikki Hyde,
Evan Hyde, Ryan Evans, Eric Evans (Rachel) and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her
husband of 27 years, William Evans Jr.

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