Evelyn McAllister-Fortson

Evelyn Louise McAllister Fortson was born August 06, 1936 in Knoxville, TN. She received her wings on March, 10, 2025. She was raised with her siblings in an area called Mucktown (Edgewood) attended East Knoxville Elementary School and Beardsley which was the first Black Junior School in Knoxville TN. During her time in high school, she worked with The Tennessee Theater school junior employment program.  

At an early age she and her other siblings took care of 4 younger siblings under the age of 18 due to the passing of their parents. Evelyn also helped raise her nieces, Sharon and Karen and Angela with open arms to help her sisters. She also opened her home to help other family members with their children as needed if they wanted to stay with her. In her early years she worked at Jim Robins Seatbelt Co.- Mrs. Kinser's Salads- Levy's Strauss & Company - MAC with coworker Diane Johnson assisting her for 20 yrs. through Kleen Rite Janitorial Service as part owner with her husband. She also worked as a full-time domestic worker for Jane & Jack Hoffman for 25 years and learned about the finer things in life. She always dressed with fashion like a Diva. She later was employed with Ruth & Joseph Fielden Sr. and Kathrine & Joseph Fielden Jr. for 25 years until her health declined. She experienced a special bond with all the Fieldens children during her employment in sharing their growth. Mrs. Evelyn was a faithful and dedicated member of Sentertown Baptist Church for 70 years and one of the mothers of the Church.  Affiliated in several auxiliary, Pastors appreciation Board, Usher Board President, Hospitality Chairman, Choir Member and missionary volunteering assisting as needed. She also served as an usher for the Knoxville District Baptist Association for many years.   She was blessed being a breast cancer survivor.

One of her joyful accomplishments was going to Haiti to help the mission in building a school for the Haitian Children. Mrs. Evelyn, as she was called, was a mentor to the young ladies of the church and family, always giving advice to help in life. Her love for family was felt through her giving and fellowship of involvement in the Knoxville Community. It was important to her that the family joined the family reunions and cookouts, vacations, 4th Of July's festivities and most of all her Christmas Celebrations. During the Tennessee Valley Fair she operated with her husband John and Evelyn Tent (Cafe & Bar) preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner for the public and the fair workers. She was very respected by all who crossed her path. She had a smile that would light up your heart whenever you saw her. She had an unselfish giving spirit and a no filter voice. You may have seen her at the number of thrift stores intown that many cashiers called her Mrs. Evelyn. In her eyes she was a collector of many items. Going shopping seemed to be therapy for her.  This could be her everyday hobby if she could go. She loved sewing, netting and bowling with east Knoxville bowling league in her early years and most of all cooking fried corn, pinto beans, cornbread and sweet potato pies. She will truly be missed by many and there are many stories to be told with her in them. Keep them in your hearts to have known a remarkable Lady God shared with us all. Thanks to numerous personal friends, that it is too many to mention she shared in her life.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John L. Fortson Sr.; daughter, Javon Ann Grady; parents, Annie Maxwell and Robert “Bobby” McAllister; siblings, Jaunita (James) Meyers, Bessie (LeRoy) McGhee, Clanthe (Fred) Downs, Flora (James) Humphrey, Josephine Montgomery, Robert “Archie”(Lisa), Harry (Cheryl), Alphonso “Funny” (Lillia Ann) and Lewis (Mildred) Mc Allister 

She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Joslyn Angela Johnson; son, John Lewis (Sharon) Fortson Jr.; adored grandchildren, Richard Lee Jordan Jr., Brandi Detreece Satterfield, Evetty Janese Satterfield M.Ed. and John Lewis Fortson 1st.; great grandchildren, Londen Hurley Satterfield, Dajohnna Jaynese Fortson, Sandaja  Marie Smith, l'Saun Fortson, Rayven Tre Vanya Summeour,  Haley Dion, Jazyrian Sutton and Jovian Springer;  numerous great great grandchildren,  sisters, Sylvia A.(Larry) Colvin,) in-laws, Michael (Connie) Fortson, Nancy Simmons, Gwendalyn Daniels and Lois Fortson Kirk, a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends to include devoted god daughters, Harriett (Charles) Hartsell and Phillis (Rodney) Wilson.

Without hesitation a special thank you to Sharon, my sister - in - law who has been like a sister in every aspect of helping us with our mother. Sis. Linda, Sis. Brenda and Billie Wayne and Ms. Lillie for your many visits. Thanks to all that provided services through Hospice.

Family will receive friends Sunday March 16, 2025 from 1 to 2pm at Sentertown Missionary Baptist Church, 7149 Millertown Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914 with funeral services to follow. Rev. Dr. Keith Elliot officiating. Interment at Berry Highland South, 9010 E Simpson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37920. Service will be livestreamed on Sentertown's facebook page as well as Jarnigan & Son's youtube channel. Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com