Iris Fay Evans

Iris Fay Deem Evans, born in Seaforth, Ontario, Canada on January 14, 1921 to Olive (Siegel) and Sidney Deem. Older sister to William. Iris graduated from Stratford Collegiate Institute. Continued her education to receive her Canadian degree in Education. Married William Blake Evans December 13, 1941. Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army June 16, 1942 and was discharged November 7, 1945. Iris continued to teach in Canada in a two-room country school house where we’re sure she had to walk there and back, uphill, in the snow.

Moving to Detroit, Michigan after Bill’s return in 1945, Iris raised 3 children (Richard 1946, Andrea Lynn 1949 and Nancy 1952) while substitute teaching when she could. Iris enrolled at Wayne State University in 1953 to earn her teaching degree. She attended night classes until graduating in 1963 with her Master’s Degree in Library Science.

Moving to Warren, Michigan in 1963, Iris opened the newly built Butcher Junior High School library where she stayed until 1971. Sterling Heights High School opened that fall. It was her job to prepare a two-story media center, all over again. Iris earned her Specialist Degree as a Media Specialist and loved working with kids.

Finding graduates lost at graduation with no clue what they wanted to do in life, Iris created a Career Room where 9th graders were brought over to establish a file of all their accomplishments, wants, dreams which they updated on a regular basis. When her students graduated, they had a good idea where they were headed. The State Board of Education established a committee responsible for creating a directive to require this in all high schools, meeting in Lansing once a month. Unfortunately, it was never mandated.

Iris retired from Sterling in 1998 (35 years at WCS) at the age of 77. During her lifetime, her love of history sent her on trips all over the world. We counted 15 countries, revisiting many.

Iris was able to stay in her home because of the outstanding care from seven dedicated women who took care of her and treated her as their own mother. She leaves behind two daughters, four grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She will be missed by all.

Wife of the late William for 60 years. Loving Mother of Andrea “Lynn” West, Nancy Smock (the late Robert) and the late Richard Evans (Evelyn). Devoted grandmother of Tara Powrozek (Mike), Robert “BJ” Smock Jr. (Jessica Wilson), Autumn Matelski (Luke) and Jeffrey West (Angie). Cherished great grandmother of Jonathan Powrozek, Donovan Smock, Zachary Powrozek, Aliyanna Louchart, Jayce Smock, Tyler Powrozek, Benjamin West, Nova Matelski, Andrew West, Harper Matelski, Elijah Matelski and Genevieve West. Caring Aunt of James and Sandra Deem.

Iris’ family will hold a visitation from 3:00pm-8:00pm on Sunday, August 22, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Rd., Warren (Schoenherr/Masonic). A Funeral Service will be at 12:00 noon on Monday, August 23, at the Funeral Home. Visitation on Monday begins at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial tributes to The Care Team Hospice, 5401 Gateway Center, Suite D, Flint, MI 48507 or the First United Methodist Church of Warren Building Fund, 5005 Chicago Rd., Warren, MI 48092.