Evelyn S. Lockett

The Obituary

EVELYN SHANELL LOCKETT was the eldest of seven (7) children and the only girl born to Theodore and Jean Toles, Jr. on May 29, 1956 in Warren, Ohio. She departed this life on Monday, January 16, 2012.

Evelyn attended the public school system in Braceville and Levittsburg, Ohio, was active in sports and loved music. She attended church, gave her life to the Lord at an early age and was baptized. She attended Youngstown State University and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelors Degree in Music, with a specialization in voice performance. Evelyn performed in various community theatre productions which included "Oueenie in Showboat" and "My Name is Alice", the Youngstown State University's Community Chorus and Jazz Ensemble's Scott Joplin's Tremonisa. She also served as President of the Black United Students and Vice Present and President of the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

On October 3, 1993 Evelyn married Byron Lockett in Fort Wayne Indiana and they raised three beautiful children together; Chanelle, Easton and Bryonna. Evelyn worked in the Columbus Public School System as a Pre K and Kindergarten Instructional Assistant, a Teacher Assistant for the Child Development Council of Franklin County and a Substitute Teacher in Ft Wayne, Indiana. As her love for music continued, she sang with the Columbus Symphony Chorus for two years, Opera Columbus for ten years and was a former member of The Sound of Worship. The Lockett family were active members of Gospel lighthouse Church for many years under the leadership of Dr. Jerry D. Fryar, Senior Pastor where Evelyn served as a Praise and Worship Singer, Choir Member, Drama Ministry Coordinator, Toddler Church Coordinator and the "I Believe in You" Summer Youth Camp Counselor before transitioning to One Flesh Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Peterson where she served as the Praise and Worship Leader.

Evelyn had many passions which included her friends, singing, acting, cooking, reading, gardening; but her one love in life, second only to her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was her love for her home and family. She was uniquely Evelyn whose exuberant personality would fill any room. Many have been blessed by her gift of laughter, her hugs and her uncanny sense of humor. Love is her legacy and her smile will remain with us forever…..She will be truly missed!

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Chanelle. She leaves to cherish precious memories her husband, Byron Lockett; her son, Easton Lockett; her daughter, Bryonna Lockett. Her father, Theodore Toles Jr. and Her mother, Jean Toles; her brothers, Theodore (Juanita) Toles, II, Nelson Toles, Leslie Toles, Robert (Helen) Toles, Walter Toles, Larry (Lucy) Toles and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.