Carrie Evans

Life Reflections

Carrie Nell Rodgers Evans was born on November 16, 1939, the sixth of ten children born to the late Roosevelt and Clinnie Ford Rodgers, in Perote, Alabama. Carrie confessed Christ at an early age, was baptized and became a dedicated member of Mt. Hillard Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Marshall Angles. She attended public school in Perote. She later moved to Rahway, New Jersey with her brothers, Napoleon and Henry, to seek employment. She was employed at RCA in Edison, New Jersey; as an office employee for 30 years until her retirement. 

Carrie married the love of her life, James Earl Evans, on May 29, 1971, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This union was not blessed with children; however, her heart was filled and blessed with many children…nieces and nephews, godchildren and children of friends who were treated with all the amenities and rights bestowed to an offspring. Carrie genuinely cherished her family… her nieces and nephews can all attest to joyful weekends spent with Uncle James and Aunt Carrie where she would spoil them by allowing them to have “their way”. She was a compassionate soul who will be missed profoundly. 

While residing in New Jersey, Carrie became a member of the Historic Second Baptist Church, Perth Amboy on January 23, 1972, under the leadership of Pastor Martin. She remained an active member under the leadership of Pastor Jefferson and Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. Carrie adored her “Bishop Hilliard”. She was a devoted usher for over 45 years, holding several leadership positions within the ministry. She loved to usher in the early years with her brothers Napoleon affectionately known as “Nap” and Thomas. Although Carrie wasn’t known for cooking, she loved “coffee and a little something sweet” and because of that love and her obedience to her Bishop’s request for an upstairs breakfast nook, Carrie began to serve the saints every Sunday. She came early and stayed late. In honor of Carrie’s servitude, the Cathedral International dedicated the upstairs kitchenette and named it “Carrie’s Kitchen.” Carrie’s favorite scripture was Psalms 27.

Carrie walked 5 miles every day at Rahway Park in Rahway, New Jersey until the doctors ordered her to only walk 3 miles. Although she was aging in her mind, her body was strong until the day of her passing. Carrie remained active even when she moved to her new home, Carnegie Assisted Living and was involved in all of the daily activities. She enjoyed her new friends and was so excited when her “Church Family” would come to visit. She could be found on the first floor in the common area eating her M&M’s and chit-chatting with her bestie Anita. 

After a brief illness, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, Carrie peacefully departed this life at Carnegie Assisted Living Facility in Princeton, New Jersey.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Roosevelt and Clinnie Ford Rodgers, five brothers: Roosevelt (RV), Napoleon, Johnnie Will (Bill), Ed Rodgers, and Henry Rodgers; one sister, Mrs. Rozelle Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one brother, Thomas J. (Barbara) Rodgers (Monroe Township, New Jersey) and two sisters: Willie Ceil (late Johnnie) Thomas (Union Springs, Alabama) and Ella Mae (Steven) Brown (Union Springs, Alabama); special sisters-in-love: Mother Edith Rodgers and Mother Pinkie Rodgers (both of Union Springs, Alabama). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Church Family, and other friends and relatives who will always remember “Su-Tee”, “Aunt Carrie”, “Carrie Mae”, for her radiant smile, generous spirit, and her big heart.

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