Evelina Zollicoffer
Royal Lakes | Save
Evelina Zollicoffer, age 77, of Royal Lakes, IL, passed away on March 18, 2026, in her home. Evelina Zollicoffer was born on June 3rd, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee to Lizzie Haywood and Calvin L. Lewis Sr.
She was raised in Friars Point, Mississippi. She attended school in Clarks Dale, Mississippi and later attended high school at Ecorse High School in Michigan. She later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she met her husband, Wardell Zollicoffer. They married September 13th, 1974, they had four beautiful children and later moved to Detroit, Michigan, and then to Royal Lakes, IL, where she was a member of First Community Baptist Church.
She worked multiple jobs throughout her life. She worked as a CNA at Turtle Creek nursing home in Carlinville, IL. She also worked at Short Stop in Bunker Hill, IL, as a cook, as well as at Macoupin County Jail in Carlinville, IL, where she served as a cook for numerous years.
She was known for her smile, kindness, and loving spirit. Evelina enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She also loved cooking and telling stories about her past. She was one of a kind, welcomed everyone with open arms, and never discriminated against anyone.
She is survived by her siblings, Lizzie B. Lewis of Royal Lakes, IL, and Walter (Pam) Lewis of Jonesboro, AR; two children, Coretta (Zollicoffer) Anderson of Carlinville, IL, Myron (Lucienna) Zollicoffer of Royal Lakes, IL and James Smith of Chicago, IL; her grandchildren, Antonio, Jamal, Quantrel ,Shaqulia (Cha’Conn), Shakia (Shealah), Myra, Mykiah ,Asianna , Derricka, Derreicia, Jasmine and Alyssa ; 17 great-grandchildren, and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-law. Evelina was preceded in death by her husband, Wardell Zollicoffer; her son, Bruce O. Zollicoffer; her mother and father, Lizzie Haywood and Calvin L Lewis; her five brothers, Aubrey, Matthew, and Tommy Bridges, and Calvin Jr and James Lewis; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Essie and James Zollicoffer.
“They leave behind a lifetime of cherished memories that will be held close forever. Though gone from our sight, they will never be gone from our heart.”
Visitation will be on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill from 11 am until the time of service at 12 pm at the funeral home. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge.
Kravanya Funeral Homes
