Ja'Nora D Evans

Ja’Nora Dorothy Evans affectionately known to some as “Nora”, “Newt”, “Nora bean”, Boopie was born on November 17, 1988, at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick New Jersey, to Rhonda Evans and Kelly Willoughby.  She was the oldest of 4 siblings. Darnel and Krystal Felton, Kelly “KJ”, and Joycelyn Willoughby. 

Ja’Nora was raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  She was educated in New Brunswick School System and graduated from New Brunswick High School with High Honors in 2007.  Ja’Nora accepted Christ and was Baptized at an early age at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Jersey City, New Jersey under the leadership of Barron O. Wilson.  She was a former member of the Union Baptist Church, South River, New Jersey, where she was in the youth Choir, and Youth Ministry.

Ja’Nora was diagnosed with Lupus SLE on February 27, 2000, and began her battle with the illness at the tender age of 12.  Despite all obstacles faced, Ja’Nora graduated from New Brunswick High School in the top 10 percent of her class, with high honors, and was a member of the National Honor Society.  She received NJ-Stars Scholarship for college and attended one semester.  Due to her illness, she was unable to continue.

Ja’Nora loved music and spending time with her family. Her last requests were to spend time talking, laughing and reminiscing with her family.

Ja’Nora was predeceased by her Great Grandparents Reuben and Magnora Evans, Grandfather Milton J. Williams, God mother’s Mildred Pollard and Rose Mary Light and Uncle’s Darren Willoughby, Jimmie and Donald Kirby Aunt Gail Tyson.   Her memory will forever be cherished by her mother Rhonda Evans, Father Kelly Willoughby Jr.  siblings Darnel, Krystal Felton, Kelly Willoughby III, Jocelyn Willoughby, Grandmothers Jerodean Evans-Williams, Laura Willoughby, Grandfather Kelly Willoughby Sr.  Godfather’s Michael Ivey Sr.,  Ted Light and Barron O. Wilson,  Aunts Patricia Warren (Don), Javonne, Barbara Evans, Dorset Rowe-Powell, Giovanni Suydam (Orlando),Kristin Stone (Allen), Kirin Dubose (Kurahn), Angela and Shakira Willoughby, Uncles Gregory Williams (Makeni), Alex Evans(Joanne), Daniel and Curtis Kirby and Izaiah Willoughby,  Great Aunts Mary Ann Ivey, Thomasina Butler, Diane Kirby, her 1 and only niece Ms. Santana Jai “Tootie” Felton, Nephews Hunter Henderson and Chase Eaton, Godson Arion Lugo-James and Goddaughter Mila Jai ”Mousie” Lugo-James, BFF/Sister Neena Lugo, bother-in-love Tyshaun “Ty”(old man) James, God Siblings who she loved and treated as her babies Karter Robinson, Kennedy Sabur, April “Rhylie” Byrd, and Brielle Wilson and a Host of SPECIAL Cousins who loved and spoiled her tremendously  but are too many to name.

Ja’Nora had the Sweetest most Resilient Spirit, once you met her, she became a special person to you, and you became her family.  She was truly a child of God and developed so many special relationships with many people. She also leaves behind those people as well.  Special Extended family included Ms. Geraldine Boone (Bonus Grandma), Mr. Leon Broadwater (Bonus Uncle), Lillian Lugo and Tatisha Maples (Bonus moms) as well as her bonus sisters Breanna and Shera Franklin, Brianna Straws.

Ja’Nora for 22 years fought a good fight and on July 20, 2023, God saw fit to call her home to her reward.  She spent her last few days knowing that she was preparing to leave this earthly world and never complained but embraced the fact she would no longer be in pain and unselfishly worried about her family.  She asked that she be able to spend time with all her loved ones through either visits or facetime and the love of her family did just that.  She was surrounded by loved ones every step of the way.  Ja’Nora was a one-of-a-kind jewel that will truly be missed by many.

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