Sister Evelyn Martha Ree Heard was born on October 13, 1930, in Greenville, South Carolina, the cherished third of nine children to Adger and Nezzie McKinney. She received her education in the Greenville school system before moving to New York, where she would begin a new chapter of love, dedication, and faith. There, she met the love of her life, the late Deacon Dearl Heard. They were blessed with a union of 52 years, welcoming their beloved daughter, LeShay. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, devotion, and unwavering love. Even years after Dearl’s passing in 2012, her face would light up with joy whenever she spoke of “Heard.”
A dedicated Licensed Vocational Nurse, Sister Heard served her community for many years until her retirement. As a military wife, she supported Dearl through his 22 years of service in the United States Air Force. After retiring, Evelyn opened her first daycare center, becoming known as “Mama Heard,” a name spoken with warmth and affection by the many children she cared for.
A faithful, longtime member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Sister Heard embodied the spirit of hospitality and service. She was known for her warm meals, generous heart, and open home, where no one ever left hungry or without a caring word. Her kitchen was legendary, her specialties including ribs, sausage, fried chicken, hot rolls, greens, potato salad, and a variety of cakes and pies. Her cooking, from the east coast to the west, will be lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to enjoy it.
Family and friends knew her as a straight shooter with a “serious right arm,” whether tossing a softball, casting a fishing rod, or bowling a strike. She loved dancing, soap operas, blues music, and Westerns. With Sister Heard, you always knew where you stood; she said what she meant and meant what she said.
Sister Heard was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Deacon Dearl Heard, her parents, son Alvin Blassingame, daughter Martha Ann Woods, brothers John, Adger, Alvin, and Bobby McKinney, and sisters Alma Hawkins, Ann Lattimore, and Lillian Sullivan.
She leaves behind her devoted daughter LeShay Shaw of San Diego, California, her sister, Helen Brock of Greenville, South Carolina, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, church family, and friends who cherished her dearly.
A heartfelt thank you to all those who supported her through her journey: grandson, Christian DePaul, Kathleen Bunton, Danielle Selby, Deborah Shaw, Raette Hearne, Melanie Watson, Dorothy Ambrose, Shirley Dawson, Anngela Watkins, Thurmond Simms, Pastor Richard and Sister Ruthie Carter, Reverend Adrian and Shawana Abrams, Deacon and Sister Eldridge Nelson, Deacon and Sister Clifton Van Dyke, Loretta Hawkins, Juana and Miguel Salazar, Mary Cooper, Mount Olive Baptist Church family, Bayview Baptist Church family, and staff at Sedona Trace Health and Wellness Center.
Sister Evelyn Heard's legacy of love, faith, service, and friendship lives on in each life she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
