Laura Louise Chatman-Evans, was born on September 5, 1944, to the Hattiesburg Rock-N-Roll Legend, the Late Monroe Chatman, Sr., and to the Business Owner and Operator the Late Annie Mae Chatman in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Laura was the “Baby-Sister” of nine siblings.
Laura was educated through the Hattiesburg Public School System and Saint Peters Bible College in Hattiesburg, MS. Raised Catholic, Laura learned to love the Lord at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hattiesburg, MS. As a teenager Laura joined Antioch Baptist Church, where she found great joy in traveling and performing with the sanctuary choir. Laura received Salvation, the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus Name at True Way Holiness Apostolic Assembly in Hattiesburg, MS. As a mother of a second set of children and grandchildren, Laura declares that she never would have made it without Tabernacle of Prayer Church of God In Christ in Hattiesburg, MS. Laura appreciate Tabernacle of Prayer for helping her with all her children, and showing love in times of despair towards her family.
At an early age Laura decided that she would pursue her music career as an Inspiring Vocal Artist, so she trained her voice to the keys of the piano, and moved to New York City to sing on Broadway. After the passing of her daughter, Velvet Ann Evans, Laura returned to Hattiesburg, MS, to pursue her greater calling as a devoted wife and mother. Laura continued singing as a professional singer at the University of Southern Mississippi under the Direction of Ray Dean.
Laura was a loving devoted faithful wife of forty-two years to the Late Richard Evans, Sr., and of their union were raised eight incredible children, twelve grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Proceeding Laura in death are: Father, Monroe Chatman, Sr.; Mother, Annie Mae Chatman; three brothers: Monroe Chatman, Jr., Percy Chatman and Robert Chatman; one sister, Iva Mae Jackson; two children, Velvet Ann Evans, and Liddie Louise McCarty (Leroy).
Laura leaves to cherish six children: Iva Mae Brooks(Randy), Lindsey Diane Armstrong(Kenny), Lucille Louise Keys(Robert), Shaun Tane Terrell(Fredrick), Richard Terrell Evans, Jr. (Latrice) and Nicole Showers;12 grand-children; 16 great-grandchildren; Four brothers: Billy Chatman(Sharon), Charles Chatman(Carol), Jerry Chatman(Francis), James Chatman(Gloria) and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins who she dearly loved and wanted with all her heart.