Marshall Evans, Jr.

Marshall Evans, Jr., 85 of Brookhaven, died from Covid-19 related complications February 2, 2021, at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, Pennsylvania.

He was born December 16, 1935, in Washington, Georgia, the son of Marshall and Ethel (Wimbs) Evans.

Marshall graduated from Washington High School, Class of 1953. Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged from the military, he married Cecelia Gartrell (also from Washington, GA), and they settled in the Philadelphia area. They celebrated 60 years of marriage last April.

Marshall completed degrees at Albany State College and Antioch University. It was at Albany State College where Marshall joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; he remained supportive for decades. He spent more than 30-years at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania; first as Director of Student Activities then serving as the Dean of Students until retirement. Known as Mr. Evans, he touched the lives of many as a colleague, mentor, and friend. He was also a business owner for over 40 years in Chester, Pennsylvania. He enjoyed following politics (a passion he passed on to some of his daughters) and watching television trivia shows and sports with his wife.

He is survived by his wife, Cecelia Evans, his daughters; Denise Claridy and her husband, Daniel, of Winter Park, Florida; Elaine Evans of Worcester, Massachusetts, Marsha Evans of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and Loretta Evans of Beijing, China; two grandchildren, Deirdre Olden and her husband, Quintain, Jared Atkins and Shumekia Atkins; two greatgrandsons, Marshall Atkins and Cameron Olden; one brother, James Evans of Washington, Georgia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Marshall was predeceased by his brother, Llewellyn, and his sister, Loretta.

A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Twin Oaks, Pennsylvania. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the service will be livestreamed. Arrangements will be provided by DeBaptiste Funeral Home, Inc., West Chester, Pennsylvania. Please visit https://www.debaptiste.com/obituary/ marshall-evans-jr to find instructions to join the live stream of Marshall’s service or other funeral details.

Those who wish to remember Marshall in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Marshall Evans, Jr. Scholarship Fund at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

For more information, please contact Marsha

Depte-Brown at (610) 399-2186 or mdbrown@ cheyney.edu.