Evelyn June Tantype Nicholson was born on August 27, 1933 in East St. Louis, Illinois to the union of Luther B. Tantype and Charlotte R. King. Two siblings preceded her in death, Jacqueline (infancy death) and Clarice E. Tantype.

Evelyn became united in Christ at an early age and was a lifetime member of Truelight Baptist Church. On July 27, 1957, Evelyn would become the "First Lady" to the union of the late, Rev. Henry Nicholson who pastored Truelight for 54 years. To this union, Evelyn is survived by three children, Scarlet June, Corwin Van, and Octavia Claudette Cross (Michael); one grandson, Chancelor Van Nicholson (Corwin); a host of niece and ephews, cousins, and many loving relatives and friends.

Evelyn attended public schools in East St. Louis, graduating from Lincoln Senior High School's Class of 1951. Her educational and career pursuits continued in the field of radiology tech at he former, Homer G. Phillips Hospital. While working as a certified X-ray technician, she returned to school earning  Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Counseling at St. Louis University and Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville). She also received national certification by the National Board of Professional Counselors. Evelyn's sequential employment includes, The Jewish Hospital, Cahokia School District #187, the former State Community College (SCC) and Belleville Area College (BAC), now renamed, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC).

Evelyn was initiated into the East St. Loui Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in June of 1970. She holds membership with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and received the Orchids of Race Models award by the East St. Louis Chapter, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.

Evelyn's love for music extended beyond her church choirs with her harmonizing the Deltones, and membership of the Westbrook-Green Community Concert choir. She regarded it most rewarding to witness concerts, stage plays, museums and various artwork. Evelyn especially enjoyed traveling. Some of her exciting travels include, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Paris, France, Italy, Hawaii, and various Caribbean Islands. By nature, Evelyn led a faithful and modest lifestyle, managing to balance career, social activities, rear children, and fulfill the role of "First Lady of  "Truelight" by the help of her loving husband and the Almighty God.