Janellen Bess Evans

Janellen Bess Evans, age 79, passed away on March 16, 2025. She was born in Northville, Michigan on June 29, 1945, to her parents, the late Clifford and Dorothy (née North) Smith.

Jan is the beloved wife of the late D. Michael Evans; Sister to Lary (Barbara) Smith; Loving mother of two children - Lisa (Orie Kristel) Evans and Laura (Mark) Schlader; Proud grandmother of Orion Kristel, Katherine Kristel, Henry Schlader, and Peter Schlader.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Evans.

Jan was a former Kindergarten teacher and Kindergarten Latchkey teacher. She was a member of Newburg United Methodist Church in Livonia since 1973. Over the years, she served the church in many ways, some of which included the handbell choir, Rummage Sale volunteer, Preschool VBS coordinator, Crib Room coordinator, Scholarship Committee, and Staff Parish Committee.

Jan had many hobbies including traveling, baking, decorating her home and yard for all of the holidays, and gardening. She loved to bake and was famous for cookies and her Christmas packages lovingly sent to family and friends around the world. She was an active member of the Plymouth Garden Club. She was a person that always made a new friend wherever she went. She could be found at many craft shows with her animal tissue box covers, guardian angels, and tooth fairy pillows. She costumed many years of musicals at Churchill High School in Livonia. She enjoyed ushering for musicals at Detroit theaters. She will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held in Jan’s honor at Newburg United Methodist Church, 36500 Ann Arbor Trail, Livonia, MI, 48150, on April 5, 2025 at 3:00pm. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00pm and Visitation will continue following the Memorial Service.

A private family burial will take place on April 4, 2025, Jan will be laid to rest next to her husband, Michael, and beside her parents at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth, MI.

Jan will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her consistent willingness to help and befriend others, her unflagging happiness and optimism, and her bright and beautiful smile. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and love that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Those who wish to honor Jan’s memory with a charitable donation are invited to do so. A list of organizations she supported will be available at the memorial service.

For family and friends who are unable to attend, the 3:00 Memorial Service will be livestreamed.  Click on link and scroll to bottom of page to "Livestream"  Livestream for Jan Evans Funeral Service