Evelyn D. Rainey

Our beloved Evelyn Denise Rainey was born July 30, 1962 to Johnny and Victoria Rainey. She
was the third of eight children. Evelyn attended Van Vlissingen Elementary and completed her
secondary education at Julian and Fenger High schools. She also attended Olive Harvey
college.
Evelyn met LaShawn Smith in grammar school where their friendship turned into a courtship.
Their union produced 4 beautiful children. Evelyn cherished family life. There were always
barbecues and dinners. She enjoyed game nights and sleepovers. She was a devoted mother
and relished in playing and spending time with her grandkids. Family was everything to her and
she adored her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews, extended
family and friends.
Evelyn loved community. When she saw that vacant lots in her neighborhood were not attended
to, she organized her own crew and insisted that the alderman provided additional bags, racks,
and other supplies needed to get the job done. She was successful in her request and everyone
on the block joined in. Thats the type of spirit she was, to unify for the greater good of the
community.
Evelyn was a sharp dresser and loved to shop vintage. She’d say “everything vintage is one-of-
a-kind.” If she knew you and your size and found something she thinks you’d look good in, she’d
buy it for you and bring it to you. Whenever she found something unique she’d say “that’s a cold
piece” and you’d know this was something rare and stylish! When she was younger she, her
sisters, and friends were known as the “Pointer Sisters” from their style of dressing. When they
showed up at a party everyone knew they were there.
Evelyn loved music and she loved to step and was one of the greatest around. No matter where
she was whether it was a dance floor or sand on the beach if there music was playing she’d get
her step on!
Evelyn made everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. She would encourage you if you
were feeling down, and would also push you to show up for yourself no matter what people say
or think. She was known for her smile, infectious laugh, angelic spirit and huge heart. Evelyn
was spiritual woman and loved the Lord, she often attended Allen Metropolitan C.M.E. Church
where Pastor David Bryant served as one of her spiritual advisors.
Evelyn made her transition to the heavenly realm on Sunday, June 28, 2020. Both her parents
preceded her in death. She leaves behind to cherish LaShawn, her partner; her children
LaShawn Pierre (Jasmine), Deven, Channon (Chris), and Trevon (Tajaria); Nine grandchildren
Nyla, X’ya, Chloe, Caylin, Christopher, Akemi, LaShawn, Yahkeem, and Mah’nai. Eight siblings
Eddie (Tiny), Sarah, Vera, Norma, Jacqueline, LaTonya, Christopher (Kenya), and Uldrick; five
bonus sisters Tiny, Queenie, Brenda, Courtney and Pauline; two bonus brothers Kamal and
Raphael and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.
 

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