Starkville says goodbye to Charles ‘LaLa’ Evans

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) — Family and friends gathered Saturday, Oct. 17, to say their final goodbyes to Charles “LaLa” Evans. LaLa was a local trailblazer whose love story captured hearts across the country.

Evans, 93, was laid to rest following a horse-drawn carriage procession.

He made history as Starkville’s first Black mail carrier and Mississippi State University’s first Black bus driver.

Evans also worked to preserve the history of Needmore. Needmore is one of Starkville’s oldest historically Black neighborhoods. He helped secure recognition for the community through its community center and a historical marker.

But beyond his accomplishments, Evans was known for his devotion to his late wife, Louise.

Louise Evans, LaLa’s wife, passed away one month before their sixtieth wedding anniversary. Evans then created LaLa Land, a memorial filled with photographs and memories of their life together.

Their love story later inspired MUTEMATH’s music video “Monument” and led to an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Family members remember Evans for his contagious smile, love of music and commitment to keeping his family close.

Evans died October 6, but his family says his legacy of love and service will live on.

As his niece recalled one of his favorite sayings, “It’s all good.”