Preistly Memphis Evans

Priestly “Memphis” Evans, was born February 1, 1938, to the late Margaret A. Mears and Edward Simmons, and raised by his step-father, the late Harley W. Mears. He departed this life on May 18, 2020, at home at the age of 82. Memphis was educated in the Clayton School District. Memphis was joined in holy matrimony to Mary Frances Tribbett, in the late 1950’s and from this union they raised three children, Norma, E. Jeannie and Gordon. Memphis was employed with the State of Delaware, Smyrna School District, until his retirement. He joined Citizens Hose Company, Station 44 on July 2, 1979. As a lifetime member, with a 41-year span, he responded to 8,559 total alarms, held many roles such as Fire Police, Fire Lieutenant and a member of the Board of Directors. Memphis was a trustee and the primary apparatus driver for many years. He held several other jobs after his retirement from the school district. He was a member of the Smyrna Town Council, as well as employed by Bennie Smith Funeral Services and had his hand in many other ventures in and around Smyrna. “Memp” was a devoted husband, brother, uncle, father, Pop-Pop, firefighter and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret & Harley Mears and Edward Simmons; brothers, Edward, Randolph, Sidney, and Harley Jr.; brothers-in-law, Charles “Nip” Tribbett and Wayne Tribbett; sisters, Daisy Mears, Vesta Mears, Vivian Mears- Milbourne, Beulah Mears; sister-in-law, Anna Evans; and children, Norma Fenwick and Gordon Tribbett. Memphis is survived by his wife, Mary Evans; daughter, E. Jeannie Hammond (Charles, Sr.); sister, Mildred Mears; sisters-in law, Naomi Wayman, Janet Bratten and Eunice Fountain (Sedrick); brothers-in-law, Luther Wayman (Loretta), Earl Wayman (Paula); grandchildren, Larry Hammond (Darlene), Tony Hammond (Neva), Maurice Fenwick, Tasha Scott (Jermaine), Tamu Boyd (Eugene), L. Tiffany Fenwick, Marcus Hammond (Deon), Damon Hammond (Danielle); great-grandchildren, Tierra, Jordan, Jairae, Jourdyn, Amiyah, Jabrielle, Darius, Candance and Harmony; godson, Reuben Fountain Sr.; all the members and brothers of Station 44, Smyrna; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preistly Memphis Evans

February 1, 1938 - May 18, 2020