Leona Evans

In Loving Memory of Leona Berry Evans

June 20, 1956 – October 6, 2026

Leona Berry Evans was born Leona Berry on June 20, 1956, in Natchez, Mississippi, to the late Vivian Berry and Leon Berry Sr.

Vivian and Leon later relocated from Natchez, Mississippi, to Duarte, California, with their children. Together, they raised seven children: Vivian Berry (Little Vivian), Leona Berry, Leon Berry Jr., Vera Berry, Charity Berry, Yvonne Berry, and Russell Berry. Leona and her six siblings were raised in the Duarte and Monrovia communities and attended Second Baptist Church of Monrovia from an early age.

Leona was a woman whose life was rooted in family, love, perseverance, grace, and faith. She was deeply loved by those who knew her, and her presence brought a special warmth that will forever live on in the hearts of the family and friends she cherished.

Leona began her education at Maxwell Elementary School and later attended Duarte High School. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge and her interest in the service of others, she attended Azusa Pacific University, where she studied nursing.

In 1976, Leona welcomed her firstborn, Allen Romel Berry, with her childhood sweetheart, Allen Graves. In 1979, she met Earl S. Evans Jr., and the two were married in 1991 during a ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada. They eventually made their home in Modesto, California. From this marriage, Leona welcomed two more children, Earl Samuel Evans III and Nicole Evans.

After 33 years together, Leona and Earl S. Evans Jr. eventually took different paths in life, but they remained close and maintained a meaningful relationship until the end. Throughout her life, Leona continued to deepen her relationship with God. She was a strong woman of faith, and all her experiences in life, both the highs and lows, contributed to her strength. She endured much, prayed constantly, and never complained.

Her Greatest Blessing: Family

Family was a meaningful part of Leona's life. She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory forward.

Her children are Allen Romel Berry, Earl Evans III, and Nicole H. Anderson (formerly Nicole Evans), along with her son-in-law, Donte Anderson.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Tenaya Berry, Allen Romel Berry III, Leila Rose Evans, Zara Anderson, Donte Anderson Jr., and Eliyanah Evelyn Evans.

Leona is also survived by her siblings, Leon Berry Jr., Charity Berry, and Russell Berry. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Vera Berry and Yvonne Berry, and her beloved parents, Vivian and Leon Berry.

She also leaves behind her nieces, Latisha Berry, Sabrina Berry, Monica Berry, Katrina Berry, Ruby Berry, and Erica Berry, along with a host of extended family members and friends whom she loved and held near and dear to her heart.

A Legacy That Lives On

Leona's life was a testament to the strength of family, the power of faith, and the importance of perseverance. Although she is no longer physically with us, the love she shared, the memories she created, and the lives she touched will continue to live on through generations.

Her family will forever cherish the moments shared, the lessons learned, and the love that will never fade. Her legacy will remain a lasting reminder of the beautiful impact one life can have on so many others.

Until We Meet Again

We grieve because we loved her.

We remember because she mattered.

And we hold onto faith because death is not the end of the story.