Hollis Milton Evans

Hollis Milton Evans, 81, of Detroit, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on November 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS.

His life began September 4, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois.  The fifth of six children born to Lee Wood and Elsie Evans.  Seeking a quieter life, his parents moved to Jones, Michigan, where they raised their children on a farm.  There, Milton developed a strong work ethic helping his father raise hogs and discovering his love for gardening from his mother.

Milton attended a one-room schoolhouse at Poe Elementary through eighth grade and graduated from Marcellus High School in 1961.  At age nine, he accepted Christ under the guidance of Pastor Duane Jacobs, who ignited in him a lifelong passion for evangelism.  Milton later enrolled in Detroit Bible College to further his education.  During his studies, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving honorably in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968.

While in college, Milton met Shirley Harris.  During his time at war, Shirley faithfully sent letters of encouragement, often including Kool-Aid packets to sweeten the water.  Their love endured and they married May 28, 1971.  Milton made Detroit his home for more than six decades, earning a Masters Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University and serving as a social worker in Detroit Public Schools.  His greatest calling, however, was as pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, where he faithfully led for over forty years.

Milton was also a dedicated Behavioral Therapist.  He opened his own private clinic, Center for Behavioral Therapy, where he specialized in helping clients overcome gambling addictions.  He also served as a marriage counselor, impacting countless marriages through his career.  A proud Christian Counselor, he often said, “I can counsel without including God in the conversation, but with God the results are better.”  His compassion and expertise brought hope and healing to many individuals and families.

For more than five decades, Pastor Evans and his beloved wife, the late Sister Shirley Evans, ministered tirelessly to Trinity Baptist Church and the surrounding community.  His leadership touched every area of ministry – youth programs, Christian education, Stephen Ministry, and beyond.  Missions were not just assignments for him; they were the heartbeat of his calling.  His influence extended far beyond church walls, impacting lives across Detroit, through Michigan, and across the nation.

Pastor Evans lived a life marked by devotion to God, family, and service.  His integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith shaped generations.  He is survived by his brothers, Wilbert Ronald (Brenda) Evans and Elbert Evans, along with a host of nieces and nephews.   After more than fifty years of marriage, his beloved wife, Shirley Evans, preceded him in death.  He was also preceded by his parents, Lee and Elsie; his sisters, Joyce, Shirley, and Carol; and his brother Leon (Marilyn).

Funeral services for Milton were held November 29, 2025 in Detroit at the church that he pastored and included Military Honors in recognition of his honorable service in the United States Army.  He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his spiritual leadership, and his unwavering commitment to helping others.  He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and service that will continue to inspire all who knew him. His Trinity Baptist Church family rejoices in knowing that he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” as he enters his eternal reward.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. for a Graveside service in Poe Cemetery (corner of Born Street and Patterson Hill Road) in Jones, Michigan with Senior Pastor Mike Owen of First Baptist Church of Newberg officiating.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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