Evelyn Victoria Jean (Johnson) Frierson

With grace, humor, and an adventurous spirit that defied convention, Evelyn Johnson Frierson left this world on September 17, 2023. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and living life on her own terms.

Evelyn was born on August 26, 1960, in Columbus, Ohio to Beverly Jean Hardiman. She grew up on the East side of Columbus where she attended Eastgate Elementary School and Champion Jr. High School. She and her family were members of Trinity Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ at an early age. Evelyn always excelled academically, and in 1975 she received a scholarship to attend The Hall School, a college preparatory high school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. After graduation, she returned to Columbus to establish a successful career in the banking industry. Her work eventually took her to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she met and married Kenneth Jerome Frierson Sr. The couple had one son, Kenneth Jerome Frierson II. “Kenny” or “Jae” as she referred to him, was the highlight of her life.

Evelyn was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her devotion to her family is what led her to move to Fort Wayne to become a foundational element in a family-owned business, Community Home Health Care, where she worked intermittently for over 20 years. Her creative talents and commitment to her community led her to other career opportunities in the Fort Wayne area including, Aging and In Home Services, Visiting Nurse and Hospice, Fort Wayne African American Cancer Alliance (FWAACA) and Unity Performing Arts Foundation, where she worked until she retired in 2018.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved son, Kenneth Jerome Frierson II, mother, Beverly Jean Hardiman, and her sister, Shirley Johnson. She is survived by her grandchildren, Luke (King) Edwards and Phoenix Ratliff, siblings, Juan Johnson (Barbara), Saneice Gates, Cassandra Hardiman and Charles Hardiman Jr., her extended family, Rose Comer Squires (Steven), Jamine Edwards, Kassandra Ratliff, Venus Ratliff, Joshwaa Woods, and a host of other family members and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

In keeping with her unconventional spirit, Evelyn did not want a somber, memorial service. Instead, she requested a service to celebrate her life, which will be held at a time and date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, Evelyn requested that donations be made to the Unity Performing Arts Foundation, a cause that was near and dear to her heart.

Evelyn will be remembered as an example of a life filled with love, compassion and an unwavering devotion to family and community. May her memory continue to inspire us all.

Date: October 28, 2023

Time: 12 noon

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Walb Union Classic Ballroom (Rm 126)

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.