Arthea Evans

Arthea King was born on February 28, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Lessie and Wiley King. She was one of six children from this union consisting of 2 boys and 4 girls.  Arthea spent her formative years in Philadelphia where she graduated from Gratz High School.

While as a young adult in Philadelphia, Arthea would meet the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life.  Unbeknownst to her, someone had taken a photograph of the choir in which she sang. That photograph was shown to a dapper young man by the name of Robert Evans. While scrutinizing the picture carefully one young lady caught his attention.  That beauty was Arthea.  When Robert asked about her he was told “don’t consider her, she is looking for a husband; in addition she is not a Seventh-day Adventist, she is Baptist.”  Robert’s response was immediate, “well I am looking for a wife and some bible studies will bring her into the church.”  What prophetic words!  After receiving bible studies from Robert Evans, she was baptized by Elder Milton Thomas at the Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in Philadelphia.  Shortly after, Robert and Arthea were married on October 23, 1965 which was just 8 short months after the famous choir photo. 

The Evans later united with the Germantown Seventh-day Adventist church.  While there Arthea held the positions of Church Treasurer and Usher.  As a couple, Robert and Arthea loved to travel.  Cruises were their favorite means of vacationing.  Their favorite destination was Hawaii.  It was during one of these vacation cruises that left out of Florida that the Evans spent a few days with friends and fell in love with the State of Florida.

In 1989 Robert and Arthea relocated to sunny Florida and joined the Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church. From their very first days at their new church home they both immediately went about their ministry as bible workers for the Lord.  The success they experience in winning souls for the Lord in Philadelphia they were able to achieve at Patmos Chapel.  Due to their efforts hundreds of souls have been won to the Lord.  However their connection to Philadelphia did not cease; they immediately found several friends from Philly when they came to Florida.  The group was known as the “Philadelphia Connection” and included Ola Hatcher; Ocie and Annie Lou Laurel; Earl Fisher; Donald and Lois Williams; and Clafton and Hazel Moses.

Although retired, Arthea could not sit idle; she worked at Disney for several years as well as Florida Hospital.  However, her great joy came in serving in the house of the Lord.  While ministering at Patmos, Arthea served as Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Church Clerk, Usher, Deaconess, Community Service Worker as well as member of the Floral Committee. She found pleasure in serving in the house of the Lord. 

On Friday November 24th, Arthea went to sleep in the Lord. She leaves to celebrate the memory of her life her husband and partner of 52 years, Robert L. Evans; Sister-in-law Hazel Moses; Brother-in-law Clafton Moses; step brother Lorenzo Cruger (Hattie); Niece Cynthia Berry (Joseph); nephew Herbert Jordan; nieces Archelle and Chansette; great nieces and nephews as well as 9 godchildren. Those who have preceded her in death are: parents Lessie and Wiley King; sisters Helen, Hattie and Gladis; and brothers Horace and Grady.

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