Irene Payne Evans
Irene Payne Evans went to be with the Lord on March 17, 2023. She was born on July 13, 1926, in Preston, Maryland to William Gilbert and Fannie Watkins Payne. Irene grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and attended Girls Commercial High School where she served as student body President her senior year. After high school she worked as an executive assistant in Manhattan for several companies including Calloway Mills and ARAMCO. She attended Columbia Bible College in Columbia, South Carolina for two years before marrying Frederick W. Evans, Jr. in May, 1954. She and Dr. Evans served in several churches in New York, Philadelphia, and Greensboro, North Carolina, before moving permanently to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1965, to serve at Faith Missionary Church and finally Walnut Grove Chapel. Irene was an encourager and found great joy in leading Bible studies at her church, the Care Center for women in downtown Indianapolis and at the Barrington of Carmel where she resided. The family would like to express their appreciation to the wonderful staffs at the Barrington and Paradigm Health for the love and care shown to Irene during her final illness.
Irene is survived by her four children, William B. Evans (Fay), John F. Evans (Heidi), Mary E. Lynn (Bill) and Martha J. Dean (Tim), ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Vera Redeker, and her five nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wheeler Mission where Irene served their women’s ministry or Faith Church where she was a member.
Calling will be held at 5:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 7:00 PM on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Faith Church, 9125 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46240.