Marilyn Evans could have been mayor, if only she liked government | Opinion

Marilyn Evans dedicated her life to creating opportunities for others. The 79-year-old died at home on Dec. 5, 2023.

Evans spent decades working with community residents, banks, government leaders and nonprofit organizations to create programs and bring resources to the west-side neighborhoods where she lived and worked. She began her history of community leadership as the president of the Community Action Commission Head Start Policy Council. Evans held many leadership positions including, president of the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Resident Advisory Board, president of the Millvale Resident & Community Council, president of the South Cumminsville Community Council, and serving 20 years on the board of National Peoples Action.

In her role as executive director of Communities United For Action, a post she held from 1993 until her retirement in 2011, Evans trained hundreds of low- and moderate-income residents to organize to address their communities’ needs. Under her leadership, Communities United For Action negotiated with four local banks for over $800 million investments in struggling communities.  She also ushered in the first municipal Environmental Justice Ordinance in the nation and helped develop Cincinnati’s Vacant Foreclosed Building Ordinance. Under her leadership, CUFA hosted national political figures to address local concerns including former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

"She probably could have been mayor, moving her way up to U.S. president," said granddaughter Zavarie Irons. "If only she liked the government!"

Evans was committed to her own six children, the six "bonus children" she raised, and the countless young people in her community who called her "Granny."

In a 2011 interview, Evans said, "I always believed in children; they are our hope for the future."

Using that philosophy, Evans developed Future Leaders in Progress, a youth leadership training program, and hosted many youth employment programs. She was the president of the South Cumminsville Bears football team and cheer squad. She and Future Leaders in Progress leaders developed a Santa’s Workshop that serves over 100 children each year. Evans and the South Cumminsville Community Council developed a summer youth enrichment program and an after-school program that has served hundreds of children over the years.

"When drugs were affecting our neighborhoods, we felt that we had to reach our youth," Evans said in 2011.  "We wanted to show them different opportunities and other options.  Our youth know that they have the opportunity to go in a different direction."

Her granddaughter said the impact Evans left is immeasurable.

"We are all lucky enough for the memories she gave us. Her act of service was giving." Irons said. "Whether it was her voice, authority, or her troops, she was always willing to show up and show out.  Marilyn will always be 'Mama' and 'Granny' to many."

Evans is survived by her children, Cozette, Darrick, Crissandra, Krystal Evans and Diamond (Robert) Kite, and by her 18 grandchildren, her 24 great-grandchildren, and hosts of nieces, nephews, bonus children, family and friends whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by daughter Toninna Evans.

Services will be held at Spring Grove Funeral Home on Saturday, Dec. 23.  Visitation is at 1 p.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m.

Sister Barbara Busch is executive director of Working In Neighborhoods.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Marilyn Evans will be remembered for creating opportunities for others