Evelyn Marie Walls

Evelyn Marie Walls passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026. Evelyn was born on January 18, 1961, in Danville, IL, to the parents of Frankie and Elvin (Hoss) Walls.. Evelyn attended Danville schools and graduated from Danville High School in 1979.

Evelyn was a dedicated member of her family’s church, Collett Street Church of Christ. She faithfully served in many roles within the church, including Sunday School teacher, choir member, and member of the church women’s group. Evelyn was always ready to share news from the “church mouse” while delivering church announcements with joy and enthusiasm.

Throughout her lifetime, Evelyn worked at Steak 'n Shake, Model Star, and Sunset Nursing Home. While she enjoyed her coworkers and valued her experiences there, she eventually left those positions to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She obtained her associate degree from Danville Area Community College and later earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Illinois University.

After graduating from Eastern Illinois University, Evelyn began working for East Central Community Action Agency Head Start. Through 25 years of dedicated service, she impacted the lives of hundreds of students, serving as many very first teacher. During her career, she not only served as a teacher but later became an educational coach. Evelyn was quick to redirect when needed, but she was always willing to teach anyone who was willing to listen.

Evelyn also donated and decorated trees for the Festival of Trees and volunteered with the Style, Charm, and Grace program at Laura Lee Fellowship. She was a lifelong learner, and up until her final days on Earth, she continued working toward obtaining her master’s degree. 

Evelyn enjoyed playing bingo, traveling, and doing arts and crafts with her grandchildren. She enjoyed going out to dinner with the senior ladies on Fridays. Her love for family, faith, education, and service touched countless lives. Those who knew her well could always count on a Happy Birthday song every year on their birthday. 

Evelyn leaves to cherish her memory her three sisters:; Laura (Terry) Davis of Ruffin, NC; Trina (Ronald) Walker of Loganville, GA, and Pamela Walls of Lawrenceville, GA; two brothers: John (Montrice) Walls of Gainesville, GA, and Elvin (Latricia) Walls of Fairburn, GA; six children:

Deirdre Walls of Snellville, GA; DeLisha (Edward) Gatlin of Conyers, GA; Demetric Hightower of Danville, IL; Derrius (Diana) Hightower of Champaign, IL; DeAnna Hightower of Loganville, GA; and her baby Joey,  Dennis Hightower of Fort Worth, TX.

She also leaves behind bonus children: Derrice Hightower, Christopher (Amre) Hightower, and

Brandon Hightower; grandchildren: J’Nayzah, Brandon, John’Niah, Christian, Jenessa, Ja’Briah, Holden, Audrey, Jalayiah, Julius, Liviana, Jeramiah, and Brandon Jr.; special friends and family members: P.J. Bourn, LaDonne Hightower, Shelia Burton, Crystal Brandon, Phyllis Parker, Dana Land,  Yvonne Summers, Christine Fitzsimmons, Dometrius “Meechie” Jones, and Ashley Bourn; along with a loving host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whom she adored and always welcomed into her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frankie and Elvin(Hoss) Walls; her brother, Terrence (Terry)Bankhead; her eldest son, Derric Hightower Jr.; and her grandson, Jaysean Parks.

A celebration of life will commence at 12:00 Noon Saturday May 30, 2026 at Tabernacle Of Praise 610 Robinson St. Eulogist: Paster Curtis Hawkins. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service.

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