Mary Antonia Evans was born on March 24, 1943 in Los Angeles, California. Shortly thereafter, infant Mary was relocated to the Sunset District of San Francisco, California. During her formative years, Mary attended Holy Name School. She is a proud alumna of St. Rose Academy, where she attended high school and gained friendships that spanned decades. Mary completed her general education curriculum at San Francisco State University. She went on to complete a dual degree program at the University of San Francisco, having earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management and Master’s in Occupational Development.
On April 6, 1962, Mary married the love of her life, Ellis “Duke” Evans, when she was twenty years old. Mary and Duke welcomed their first child and only daughter, Michelle Annette Evans, on March 30, 1963. Their sons, Davis Ellis Evans and Marc Edward Evans, were born on April 16, 1964 and May 9, 1966. The Evans family enjoyed an eccentric upbringing in the Haight-Ashbury and Western Edition neighborhoods in the heart of San Francisco. Mary was an equal-opportunity pioneer that balanced motherhood with being a career woman. At the time, Mary was the only woman to serve as Vice President of Fred S. James Insurance Company, which is one of her fondest career milestones.
Mary was a champion of social justice. Her social and political ideals were strongly shaped by being in an interracial marriage and having three mixed-race children in the early 1960s, and awakened during the Summer of Love in San Francisco. In Mary’s opinion, peace and love could cure the world’s problems. Mary developed into a social justice ally, who attended many protests against war, racial injustice, and women’s rights. She was a staunch supporter and member of the American Civil Liberties Union, Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood, and Democratic Party.
To know Mary was a truly special and magical experience. She left a lasting impression on everyone that she crossed paths with, even if it was only once. Mary enjoyed traveling, fine-dining, reading with her book club, dancing, and listening to doo-wap classics. It’s quite possible that Mary was always having the best time in any room that she occupied. Many will remember Mary’s warm and free spirit, sparkling smile, selfless generosity, cherished friendship, and her signature greeting, “Hello Dear!”
Mary passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020 surrounded by the majority of her family in her beloved city, San Francisco. She is predeceased by her loving parents, Claire and Edward Stevens, whom she missed immensely for far too long; her husband, Duke, whom she remained a devoted widow for twenty years; and her son, David, who was her twin flame. Mary is survived by her children, Michelle and Marc; grandchildren, Angelique, Danielle, David Jr., De’onna, Domonic, Donovan, Alayna, and Marc Jr.; and great grandchildren, Dejshon, Jeremiah, and J’Mari. Although the Evans Family is deeply saddened by the loss of their beloved matriarch, they cherish the love, experiences, and wisdom that Mary shared with them. Mary lives on in each and every family member and they are proud to carry on her legacy.
“Say not, in grief, that she has gone, but give thanks that she was yours.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Evans family made the decision to postpone Mary’s final arrangements. The family is planning to host a very memorable Celebration of Life for Mary Evans around the one-year anniversary of her passing. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mary’s granddaughter, Danielle McCray, via email at [email protected]. This event will be invite only.
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