Lillie White Evans peacefully departed this life on July 28, 2026 at her home in Shreveport, Louisiana. Lillie was born on August 14, 1949, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to James Keller White and Lillie Mae Robinson Johnson White.
Lillie is survived by her children, Antonio (Shannon) Evans, and Melissa Evans (Jason) Vallas, as well as her adored grandchildren, Olivia Marie Evans, Jason Kelly Vallas, Evan Michael Vallas, and Mia Jade Vallas. She is also survived by her cherished siblings: Willease Johnson Nolley, Lillian Bernice White (Robert)Cook, Robert Charles White, and Mary White (Alexander) Ikejani. In addition, she leaves behind a host of other loved family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father and mother, as well as her brother, Floyd James White.
Lillie was an accomplished academic. She was a 1967 graduate of Natchitoches Central High School. She proudly earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Grambling State University and her master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University. She served as an educator for the Caddo Parish School District for almost thirty years. Notably, she was included in a cohort of teachers who were integral in the parish’s efforts towards desegregation of the public schools in Shreveport during the 1970s. Lillie worked her way up from a middle school teacher at Ridgewood Middle School to Vice Principal at Herndon Magnet School. She later became a Supervisor of Education for the Caddo Parish School Board and concluded her distinguished career as a 504 Specialist and Grant Writer Manager.
A devout Christian, Lillie valued the importance of faith and education, and always encouraged young people to honor God and strive for excellence. Lillie was a true intercessor, known for her unwavering prayer for others. She dedicated much of her life to mentoring youth, passionately believing in the transformative power of connection. In her book, Every Child Needs a Lily, she inspired us all to commit to uplifting at least one child to help them achieve their fullest potential. In her own words, she expressed, “Good mentoring is simply sharing and helping people whenever you meet them. Mentoring takes on a life of its own when you purposely choose to pour into the lives of others.”
Lillie White Evans will be remembered for her unwavering faith, dedication to education, and the profound impact she made on countless lives. She leaves a legacy of love, compassion, and commitment to excellence that will resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Gateway Church, 8925 Youree Dr., Shreveport, LA 71115, on August 22, 2026, at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Negro College Fund: uncf.org.