A Life Redeemed  •  A Life of Service  •  A Life of Faith

Elder Jesse Evans,  Jr. was born November 20, 1944 and was called home from labor to reward on September 25, 2026. He was the first born to Bishop Jesse Evans Sr. and Dorothy Jean Wells. As the eldest of fourteen siblings, Jesse held a special place within his family and carried the strength, responsibility, and character that often comes with being the oldest.

Jesse was raised in the Canton-Massillon area and attended the Canton City School System. He learned the value of hard work early in life and went on to establish a career working for Tab construction . He was a man who knew how to work with his hands, build, repair, and create—qualities that would later take on an even greater meaning through his service to God and his community.

Jesse served as an Elder in the True Church House of Prayer of Massillon, where the foundation of faith was planted in his life. However, Jesse answered the call to ministry and dedicated himself to serving the Lord and His people. During his ministerial journey, he served as Pastor of St. Paul C.O.G.I.C Massillon and continued faithfully in ministry throughout his life.

In his final years, Elder Evans served at God Given Church of God in Christ in Canton, Ohio, where he was a Licensed and Ordained Elder. His ministry was more than a title or position—it was an extension of the life-changing encounter he had experienced with God.

His journey took him from the streets to salvation, from incarceration to prison ministry, from addiction to rehabilitation advocacy, and from constructing with his hands to helping rebuild lives through mentorship, ministry, and the Word of God.

He was a Devoted Husband and Father

One of the greatest joys and blessings of Jesse’s life was his family.

He was happily married to his beloved wife, Diana Evans, for more than sixty years to which three children were born. Their marriage stood as a testimony of love, commitment, partnership, and perseverance through the seasons of life as well as becoming a model to others of what marriage should be.

Jesse is preceded in death by his daughter Lisa Evans, mother, Dorothy Jean Wells, father Bishop Jesse (Rosetta) Evans Sr.; grandmother Marie Evans-Sankey; great-granddaughter, Aariel Oliver; brothers, Carl Jones and Jack Evans; sister, Zelda Block; and sisters-in-love, Helen Hye and Arlene Wells.

He leaves to cherish his memory, beloved wife, Diana Evans; children, David Evans of Canton, and Jennifer (Herman) Horner of Massillon; special daughter Lula Cowger; grandchildren Robert (Corinne) Oliver, NaQuia Evans, and Shanika Oliver; great-grandchildren Isaiah, Leah, Elijah, Jonah, and Josiah Oliver; A’Layah Evans; and LaMar Jones; brothers, Bishop Gerald (Lillian) Evans, Roger Wells, Victor Wells, Percy Hye of South Carolina, Clive Hye, Edwin (Joyce) Hye of Canton, and Reginald (Renee) Hye of Georgia; sisters, Denise (Jay) Foster of Canton, Sandra Wells of Columbus, and Gilda (Johnny) Hampton, Sister in Love Brenda Evans of North Carolina; and special uncle, Horace Ward Jr. of Massillon.

He also leaves a loving host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual sons & daughters, extended family members, church family, friends, mentees, and countless others whose lives were touched by his testimony and ministry.