Evelyn Banks Croom

Evelyn, a beloved sister, sister-in-law, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, departed this life with remarkable strength and resilience on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the age of 86.

Evelyn married Levi C. Croom on April 2, 1972. Following her husband's passing in 1979, she faced life's challenges with prayer, grace, and courage, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration.

Evelyn placed her faith and trust in Christ at an early age and became a prayer warrior throughout her life. After being diagnosed with dementia in 2018, Evelyn did not let that stop her from living joyfully. With unwavering determination, she embraced life, trusting and believing that God would heal her. She then faced another challenge of being diagnosed with cancer in 2024, still, she did not let that stop her from living, trusting, and praising God through it all. Her prayers were answered when God healed her from dementia and cancer by embracing her in His loving arms on Friday, March 28th, surrounded by her family. Though she fought hard, she is now at peace with God forever.

Evelyn attended Phelix High School. Evelyn worked two jobs to ensure her family's needs were met, always prioritizing them over her own. In 2011, Evelyn retired from Day Nursery after working there for 22 years. Along with her sisters, brothers, and niece, Evelyn traveled throughout the Midwest spreading the gospel message through song.

Evelyn was a devoted member of Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church, serving in the choir and on the usher board. She then moved her membership to St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in the choir until retirement.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Levi C. Croom, and her parents, Willie and Bessie Banks. Siblings, Aaron Banks, Jessie Banks, Annie Miller, Bessie Mae Gammon, Pyine Strode, Olla Mae Foster, Polly Whittier and Leroy Banks. Stepdaughter, Charlotte Croom.

Evelyn leaves to cherish in her memory her siblings, Pearline Whittier (Chicago, IL), Betty Banks, and Willie Banks (Marion, AR). Her children Gary P. Banks (Marion, AR), Anthony D. Harden (Charlotte) (Olympia Fields, IL), Derrick K. Harden, Richie C. Croom (Brenda), Darlene Treadwell (Robert III), Michael D. Croom, and Carla Billups, all of Indianapolis, IN. Evelyn had 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, in-laws, and friends.

A visitation for Evelyn will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 5325 E 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM.

Evelyn will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46208.