Evelyn Louise Whitfield - Her earthly voice is now silenced after 98 years.

As a young girl, her ambition was to take that beautiful voice, travel, and "sing the blues". During her years at Lincoln High School, her vocal ability garnered many talent show awards which included winning a competition against a formidable classmate, the legendary trumpeter, Miles Davis. She would have done well; however, The Almighty God had another plan for her! Instead of performing on the stages of the world, He would openly showcase her voice and life to the world for His own glory! He was patient with Evelyn, turned her dreams and ambitions towards Him, and in the fullness of time she became a "voice" for only Him - a vessel used for Jesus throughout her lifetime.

She was born in East St. Louis, IL in the union of RK and Lillie Rogers on December 27, 1923, the sixth child of seven (all preceding her in death). After receiving her education in the East St. Louis public school district, she was joined in marriage to the late Wiley Whitfield, Sr. Their rapidly growing family spent their early years on "the farm" later moving to "the Big White House" as the off spring increased to a total of 11 children. Evelyn was a wonderful wife, a phenomenal mother. On her career path, she spent many years as a beloved and dedicated bus driver in the Cahokia School District. She enjoyed work and family immensely, but her deep hunger to please God was the underlying motivation that fueled everything she did, bringing her the greatest joy and fulfillment.

She was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost at 9th Street C.O.G.I.C. Congregational (Bishop Slack) and from that encounter and relationship, an intimacy with The Holy Spirit navigated her choices in life daily. It was the norm for her to rise and say, "Holy Spirit, what am I supposed to do today?". And obey, she did! He used her hands to heal the sick and used her hands the raise the dead. He was glorified and many were blessed because of her yielding. Known for her prayer life and life as a powerful intercessor, she was a warrior in the spiritual realm. Her phone rang continually as prayer requests poured in from all over the country. She spent hours and hours with Him in prayer! Never wanting to miss church, she played the organ on Sundays at New Life M.B. Church (where she was Co-Founder) and played the tambourine on Saturdays at The Clinic Deliverance and Worship Center where her daughter and son-in-love, Wilma and Howard Walker are founding pastors.

Mother Whitfield was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She was wise, yet undeniably on a mission to proclaim His name. She used that beautiful voice well! Whether in the spotlights of television (when most would shy away), in the market, private or public places, she was sensitive to hear God's message to His people and never backed-up from sharing it! As His servant and daughter, God favored her and was good to her. She was physically gorgeous, but even throughout her 90's, all were amazed by the grace and strength of her body, as she continued going strong...baking teacakes, going viral on FB, making appearances on TV game shows, being mentally sharp and beating any competition at Scrabble, authoring her first book ("Power in the Name"/Amazon), fulfilling assignments, conducting conferences, traveling and "not even using a walker"!

During her last days and hours before going to meet her Lord, the "voice" grew faint, but continued to do what it had done through the years. She sang to Him, she called out many names in prayer, she praised her God... then she went home to see His face!

She was preceded in death by her husband (Wiley Whitfield, Sr.) and one son (Kenneth Eugene Allen). She leaves children to remember and carry on her legacy, Wiley Whitfield, Jr., Ronald Whitfield (Leota), Gwendolyn Robinson, Paulette Black (Miguel), Michael Whitfield (Marlene), Maloney Whitfield (Carey Nobles), Wilma Walker (Howard), Anthony Whtifield, Tyrone Whitfield (Deneice), and Tessa Whitfield; 34 grandchildren, 100 great-grands, 7 great-great grands, nieces, nephews, spiritual sons, and daughters. She leaves in dear memory, the New Life, and Clinic church families, neighbors of "The 53rd Street Village", The Collins Family and many other dear friends and acquaintances. She will be missed dearly and remembered everyday.