Tiny Marie Evans, 78, who taught elementary school for more than 35 years in Gary, died Wednesday, June 19, of a heart attack in her Chicago home. Mrs. Evans–named Tiny after her grandmother–found a job teaching at Ivanhoe Elementary School in Gary after moving to Chicago in 1957. “She knew the importance of a good education,” said her daughter, Sandra Marie Johnson. “She took the kids under her wing and gave them advice.” Her son, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans of Cook County Circuit Court, said that when he ran for election, she distributed fliers for his campaign, “then came to the courtroom to make sure I was being a good judge. … she taught me that preparation and perspiration are a great combination to getting a job done.” Born in Malvern, Ark., Mrs. Evans received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Arkansas. She met her husband of 60 years, George Evans, in an Arkansas Methodist church before moving to Chicago. In addition to her husband, son and daughter, survivors include a sister, Hazel Bailey; and six grandchildren. Visitation will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday followed by services at 8 p.m., in Greater Institutional AME Church, 7800 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago.
