Evelyn Hooks Martin was born in Leesburg, Georgia on February 12, 1953, to the late Thomas Buddy Hooks and Annie Bell Hooks. She was raised in the loving home of her adoptive parents, Johnnie and Mary Martin.

She received her formal education in the Dougherty County School System, including Monroe Comprehensive High School where she graduated in the class of 1971. A very perceptive young lady with a zeal for learning, Evelyn continued her education at Albany State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

Evelyn's love for God and the church began at a very young age. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, united with the Union Grove Baptist Church, and availed herself in service as an Usher for many years. Strongly sensing the call to evangelism, Evelyn engaged faithfully in studying the whole counsel of God and was ordained as an Evangelist under the guidance of Pastor Miller Harris and First Lady Harris. The anointing of God that was upon her life affected the lives of many others. She was a woman of faith who lived her conviction of service and exhorted everyone to trust and believe in Almighty God.

Loving mother, devoted grandmother, caring sister, nurturing aunt, reliable cousin, and compassionate friend, Evelyn was a determined individual who made the most of every day and inspired others with her fearless but welcoming spirit.

She had a way of looking into your soul and knowing just what you needed to make your day. Family and friends visiting her home were always greeted with open arms and bold, robust, flavorful, and creative meals that gave new meaning to soul food cooking. Evelyn was a whiz in the kitchen and delighted in creating memorable treats for all to enjoy. In her free time, she enjoyed playing bingo, shopping, and spending time with her family.

On Saturday, October 9, 2021, Evelyn quietly departed this earthly life at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Hooks; beloved companion, Willie Fred Lewis; and her nieces, Laticia Martin.

Her love and memory will be forever cherished by her sons, Kenya (Shamekia) Martin and Fred (Tequila) Lewis of Albany, GA; siblings, Delois (Buddy) Reddick, Cynthia (Marcus) Jefferson, Thomas (Brenda) Hooks, Jr., Jimmy (Loretta) Hooks, and Zachery Hooks all of Albany, GA, and Johnnie B. (Edith) Hooks of Daytona Beach, FL; grandchildren, DeMeche', Ka'meya, Kassidy, Keilah, Daryelle, Darell, India, and Jaylan; great grandson, Zyrie; special nieces and nephew, Mattie M. Pearson, Latonya Bynum, Daphne /Reddick, and Samuel Jones; special cousins, Patricia and Jimmy Martin; ardent friends, Mary Albritten, Adene Cook, Janette, Jackson, Ruby Thomas, Annie D. Dean, and Ethel Wallace; and a host of other relatives and friends.