Norean V Evans

Norean Virginia (Hodge) Evans was born on February 3, 1936 in Blakely, GA to the late Clifton Hodge Sr. and the late Hattie (Ford) Hodge. She attended school in Early County, Georgia. She graduated from Washington High School in Blakely, Georgia and waited for the love of her life Willie F. Evans Sr. (Boise) to return from the military. The two were married in 1954 and shortly thereafter moved to Cleveland, Ohio. They were blessed to have three children from this union, Renee’, Shanavorn, and Willie Jr. Norean was a fabulous homemaker and a phenomenal cook.

After her children started school, she began her career as an Executive Housekeeper at The Holiday Inn East in Cleveland, Ohio. After being an Executive Housekeeper for over 10 years, she changed her career path and began working as a factory assembly line worker for Antenna, Weathertite, and Hunter Manufacturing. She obtained an injury to her hand at Hunter Manufacturing which led to her end to career as a factory worker and she transitioned to her true passion which was cooking. In 1991, she started her catering business (Evans and Associates) with friend Kittie Wiggins. Norean was also a member of a social club called the 7 G’s where she served as treasurer. She also held the treasurer position for the Hodge Family during family meetings.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age. She started her Christian journey in Cleveland, Ohio as a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. She later changed her membership to The Devine Revelation Church of God and Christ. She sang with the choir and a group called the Loving Five. She would eventually become a member of Second Tabernacle Baptist Church where she was a member the remainder of her life. She was an active member with the Nurse’s Guild, The Missionary Ministry, The Deaconess Ministry, and a mother of the church. Her passion for cooking also led her to serve as head of the kitchen for countless church events.

Norean was known for her extensive hat collection. She loved to wear hats and had one to match every suit and outfit she wore. To know Norean was to know she was loved putting together eye-catching ensembles and making meals that were truly food for your soul. Norean went home to be with the Lord on July 3, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie F. Evans Sr., father, Clifton Hodge Sr., mother, Hattie (Ford) Hodge,son, Willie F. Evans Jr., brothers Will Hodge Sr., Richard Hodge Sr., Sylvester Hodge Sr., and Clifton Hodge Jr. and Joseph Hodge, sisters Ida Hodge Wilson, Ileane (Hodge) Walker, Eulaties (Hodge) Pittmon, and Altimease (Hodge) McKnight.

She leaves to cherish her memory, brother, Marcellus Hodge Sr., (Lucretia) daughters Renee’ V. Evans and Shanavorn D. Butler (Rodney), grandchildren Leshonte’ R. Mills, Larry D. Curry Jr. (Naima), Monique Jurnakins, William C. Mills III, Evan A. Curry (Sharon), Louis S. Gentry (Corrie), Willie F. Evans III (Maria), James W. Evans, Melody S. Mills, Mykal W. Mills, several great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

A visitation for Norean will be held Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cummings & Davis Funeral Home, 13201 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland, Ohio 44112. A wake will occur Monday, July 10, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Second Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 11901 Union Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44105. A homegoing service will occur Monday, July 10, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Second Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 11901 Union Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44105. Entombment Northlawn Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cummingsanddavisfh.com for the Evans family.