Evelyn Rebecca Carter was born in Columbus, MS, on July 26, 1946 to the late Willie Wilkins and Queen Ester Jones. She accepted Christ at an early age when she was a member of the usher board, sang in the choir, and was an announcement clerk. She was a member of the Community Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Sheldon B. Williams. She attended Battle Creek Public School graduating from Battle Creek Central in June 1964. She later attended Kellogg Community College where she obtained an Associate degree in Arts in 1998.

Ms. Carter was employed by the Defense Logistics Service Center at the Battle Creek Federal Center as a supply systems analyst where she retired after 28 years of service.

Ms. Carter enjoyed traveling, shopping and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also worked at several elections as the election inspector and computer operator.

Ms. Evelyn Carter departed this life on Tuesday, January 22, a patient at Bronson Battle Creek. She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Wilkins and step-father, Ira Hamilton. She leaves cherishing her memory her mother, Rev. Queen E. Hamilton, daughters, Angela Williams-Turner, Mariea (Darryl) Robinson of Battle Creek; son, Ltc. Irvin R. (Lydia) Hawkins of Tampa, Florida; brothers, Matthew (Tina) Hamilton of El Paso, TX; David (Sandi) Hamilton of Lawnside, NJ; and John Ira Hamilton of Ponchatoula, LA; sisters, Alvora (Major) Berry of Bellevue; Verlie (Theodus) Richardson of Lansing; Darlene Lisby of Fairborne, OH; Charlene Haykal of Buffalo, NY; and Patricia (Kevin) Ford of Kalamazoo; granddaughters, Breanne (Corey) Ross; Joia (Craig) Roberts; Alexis Robinson all of Battle Creek; Lacei (Richard) King of Kalamazoo; Kayla Hawkins of Tampa, FL; grandsons, Kyle Hawkins of Battle Creek; RJ Hawkins of Maistee, MI; and Deron Porter of Tampa, FL. Great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Jaidyn, McKenzei, Craig (CJ), Ka'Leah and Ka'nia, along with family and friends who loved her dearly.