Mary White Evans

Mary Evans, Early Childhood Education pioneer and lobbyist for licensing of Early Childhood Centers, died on February 18, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Winslow "Wink" Evans, a brother, Thomas White and wife, Vera, a sister, Jean Kettlewell and husband Kenneth, a sister Marge MacDonald. She is survived by her three children, Linda (Mark) Delfs, David (Bonnie) Evans and Jim (Lori) Evans and by Karen Curtin, mother of her two grandsons, Nicholas and Daniel Evans. She is also survived by brother-in-law Ed MacDonald, several nieces and nephews and cousins. She was Director of Early Childhood Ministry at First Community in Columbus, Ohio for nearly fifty years. During that time she directed a large early childhood school, child care center, and church school. The child care center is now named The Mary Evans Child Development Center. In addition, she taught parenting classes, adult education classes, in-service workshops for teachers and was a consultant for businesses and schools. She wrote articles on parenting which were published in First Community Church's newsletter, local newspapers and national magazines. She also wrote "A Guide for Teachers of Young Children." She also created a series of videos for parents and teachers of young children. She was in private practice as a family counselor and parent educator. She served as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College. She traveled through the county observing and critiquing their early child hood students. She served on a number of advisory boards including The Governing Board of First Community Church, The Childhood League School, Columbus State Community College Early Childhood Department, and Child Development Council of Franklin County. She received The Distinguished Alumna Award from The College of Human Ecology, Ohio State University; The Distinguished Service Award, Muskingum University; The Community Service Award, Junior League of Columbus; Citizens Award, Columbus Association for the Education of Young Children; Early Childhood Award, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children; and Service and Dedication to Children Award, Westside and Eastside Child Care Centers; and named a Paul Harris Fellow awarded by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. She had many hobbies. She was an avid sewer, knitter and maker of many craft items. Her latest hobby that she began at the age of 92 was building complicated Lego structures. Her home had an entire gallery of the items she built. Family will receive friends 5-8 PM on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at 2 PM on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at First Community Church, 3777 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. Rev. Dr. Deborah Lindsay will be officiating. There will be a reception following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Mary Evans Child Development Center or any other charitable group that enhances the lives of children. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com