Overview:
• Jacqueline Hawthorne-Evans, the Founder/CEO of Pink is My Power Color African American Breast Cancer Organization, passed away at 62 after a yearlong battle with cancer.
• Known for her advocacy, she fought against breast cancer and disparities faced by women of color.
• Survived by her husband, children, and granddaughter, she leaves a lasting legacy of hope and commitment to cancer awareness and support for affected families.
Contributed by the Family
Jacqueline Hawthorne-Evans, ordained as a pastor and Founder/CEO of Pink is My Power Color African American Breast Cancer Organization, died Aug. 5, 2024, at the age of 62 after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer as she was surrounded by loved ones.
Jacqueline Hawthorne-Evans leaves behind a legacy that will be carried on to fight the fight against breast cancer and the disparities facing women of color and their caregivers. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her legacy will live on through the breast cancer organization she founded.
Jacqueline was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in April 1962 to her parents Herman and Hattie Hawthorne. Growing up she was sort of a tomboy because she always like hanging around her cousins -the Hawthorne boys- she was wanting to go and be wherever they were. While Jackie had a close relationship with her cousins, she was an only child.
She attended Custard High School in Milwaukee and obtained her GED later. She graduated from Brown Macke College here in Cincinnati, Ohio with an associate degree in paralegal studies. Jacqueline always knew she wanted to someday raise a family of her own. When she was introduced to her husband by one of his family members in July 1995, she knew she had met the person with whom she would build a family. She told him that he was “the one” she would marry. He wanted to wait a year after meeting, but she was always good at convincing him to do things and they married just 2 months later Sept. 6, 1995. Jacqueline and Gregory maintained this marriage for 29 years.
A year later they started their family and together they raised two children, twin daughters — Jakia H. Evans (Jay) and Grekia M. Evans (Gee). She regularly engaged with their extended family which included the addition of Jackie’s two stepsons — Gregory Evans, Jr. and Brian Evans and their children.
The crowning glory for Jacqueline was the arrival of her granddaughter Ava Za’Rian Wood. Jackie delighted in everything about her new role as grandmother and took on the name of “NANA” to signify her new role.
Jacqueline cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of her life. She was known not just for enjoying her friendships, but for being a good friend as well. She maintained an inviting spirit and a giving heart and was a loyal servant to God. Jacqueline had lasting friendships with many people and cherished them.
She was preceded in death by her father Herman Hawthorne. Jacqueline is survived by her mother: Hattie Hawthorne, husband: Gregory R. Evans, Sr., by her children Jakia H. Evans and Grekia M. Evans, her granddaughter Ava Z. Wood, two stepsons: Gregory Evans Jr., Brian Evans; also, by five step grandchildren, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and multiple friends.