Leara Evins

Leara Evins, a loving and selfless mother, daughter, sister and friend was born on December 4, 1975, in Modesto, CA, Leara was called home to be with the Lord on April 17, 2023, in San Francisco, surrounded by her loving family. She was a beacon of light and love, always putting others before herself and being a pillar of strength to those around her. Her faith in the Lord guided her throughout her life, and her passion for singing and praising the Lord was an inspiration to all who knew her. 

The daughter of Dr. Charles R. Evins Sr. and First Lady Gloria Evins, Leara was a cherished member of a close-knit family. In addition to her daughter, Zariya Evins, Leara is survived by her parents; her brothers, Dr. Charles R. (Karen) Evins II, Rev. Bernard Evins, Dr. Peter J. (Dasheil) Evins; her sisters, Cynthia Sanchez, Trena Miller, Lisa Evins, Alice (Garry) Brown; her sister-in-law, Jacqueline Evins, her nieces, Tamiya N. (Donte) Bunn, Moeneisha (Jermell) Rowland, Kamari Thorne-Evins, K-Oz Thorne-Evins, Jaimeisha Miller, Sherri (Kyle) Nunley, Karina Mohammed-Evins, Arion (Emmanuel) Hernandez, Johnisha (Calvin) Drayden, Ryan Evins, Gloria Stevenson, Simone Brown, Hayla Smith; her nephews, Charles R. Evins III, Rev. Nicholas B. (LaToya) Evins, Rev. Antoine D. Evins, Cameron Evins, Timothy Sanchez, Mail Baines, and Aidan Smith; 23 great-nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a multitude of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Leara’s presence will be deeply missed by her family, but her spirit and love will live on in their hearts. 

Leara's journey through life was marked by her pursuit of education and her dedication to her career. She graduated from Davis High School and went on to earn her degree in Medical Billing and front & Back Office from Maric College in Modesto. For many years, Leara worked as a medical billing coder, using her skills and talents to serve others and make a difference in her community. 

A woman of strong faith and devotion, Leara’s interests extended beyond her professional life, as she was also deeply involved in her community and her church. She accepted Christ at a very young age and was baptized by her father at Delhi Missionary Baptist Church in Delhi where she also served as a Junior Usher, a Junior Mission Member and a member of the Sunshine Band.

Leara's faith was an integral part of her life, as a current member of the Second Baptist Church in Modesto, Leara shared her love for the Lord through her beautiful singing voice in the choir, where she was also choir president. As the great theologian St. Augustine once said, "To sing is to pray twice." Leara truly lived out this belief, lifting her voice in praise and inspiring others to do the same. Her labors of love where also demonstrated by the many positions she held within the church; Leara was a member of the Mission, During COVID Leara oversaw the Broadcast Ministry, along with her sister Valtrena Miller, she cooked and served food for church functions, she assisted with the children’s church and was the Assistant Director of the Youth Department.

Her love for God was evident in all aspects of her life, from her unwavering faith to her selfless acts of community service. Leara was a very active and dedicated member of the CARE program an extended opportunity program operated through Modesto Junior College. She loved working with the youth and assisted with Small Wonders Dance Group, preparing the children for events such as Juneteenth Youth Talent Shows, Fourth of July Parades, Octoberfest Community Celebrations, Cesar E. Chavez National Cultural Day and the King Kennedy Center Street Dance for the City of Modesto. 

Above all else Leara was a devoted and loving mother to her daughter Zariya, and took great joy in caring for her and all the children of her extended family. Leara was exceedingly proud to be Zariya’s mother, she would beam with pride at all of her miles stones and accomplishments, she was a warrior for Zariya in life and now will forever be her guardian angel. 

Leara's love for cooking and entertaining brought people together, creating lasting memories for all who were blessed to be in her presence. Leara's selflessness and faith-filled spirit were evident in everything that she did. A die hard Dallas Cowboy fan and a devoted daughter, she loved caring for her parents, just as she loved caring for all the children in her family; she made each one feel special, each one of them was her favorite.

She was a friend to many, and her warm and loving nature made her a precious jewel in the lives of those who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and selflessness, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who were touched by her kindness and compassion. Leara's loving, faith-filled, and selfless nature will be remembered by all who knew her. She embodied the words of scripture in 1 Corinthians 16:14, "Let all that you do be done in love." She lived her life with purpose and passion, always seeking to serve others and bring joy to those around her.

As we gather to celebrate Leara's life and honor her memory, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Our dear sister Leara has gained her eternal reward and is now rejoicing in the presence of her Savior. We take comfort in knowing that we will one day be reunited with her in our heavenly home. Those who will be greeting Leara in her new heavenly home will be her baby son, Jashayia Evins, her grandmothers, Hazel Larry, Rebecca Evins and Dorothy Perry, her grandfathers, Abe Evins and, Eugene Larry, her uncle's, Paul Larry, John Evins, Jackie Evins, and Homer Evins her Aunts, Amy Evins and Brenda Gail Evins and her great-nephew, baby Allen Collins.

Let us hold fast to the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." May we find solace in the knowledge that our beloved Leara is now resting in the arms of her loving Heavenly Father, with her gentle spirit smiling sweetly as she does and may we strive to live lives that honor her legacy of love, faith, and service. Amen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leara Evins, please visit our floral store.