Richard Emory Evans

Richard Emory Evans, affectionately known as “Rick” or “Ricky”, peacefully transitioned from this realm, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, after a valiantly, hard-fought battle. Richard was born on April 4, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Otis Evans, Sr. and Pearlee Patterson.

Richard was known for his quiet demeanor and endearing nature. He was always kind, always encouraging. The Fruit of the Spirit was glaringly evident in his life. He was a devoted man of God, who was an active member of the Eighth Street Baptist Church, in Wilmington. Those who were blessed to know Richard intimately, can also attest to how much he revered and cherished “family”, especially the love of his life, his wife Zelma. Richard was a lover of all things musical, and he loved to sing! He was known for his smooth melodic sound and had that special “ear” for harmonizing. Right up there with singing, was Richard’s love for his Philadelphia Eagles!

Richard received his primary and secondary education in Delaware County Public Schools, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. He received his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia.

Richard proudly served in the United States Army as a Reservist. He would later be called up to Active Duty status during Operation Desert Storm. Richard would ultimately earn the rank of Staff Sergeant-SSG E-6. Later, Richard would establish the Non-profit, “The Delaware Plan” a Temp- Employment Agency, where he served as Executive Director.

He would also serve on the Executive Board of the Wilmington Branch of the NAACP for many years. Additionally, Richard was a political appointee with New Castle County, Delaware, serving as an Executive Assistant to a number of County Executives.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Otis Evans, Sr. and Pearlee Patterson, Helen Evans (Stepmother), Pearl Frances Johnson (Sister), Paul Matthews (Brother), and Gregory Otis Evans (Brother).

Richard leaves to lovingly cherish and preserve his legacy, his loving and devoted wife Zelma Mosley, Brother Otis Evans, Jr. (Yolanda), Brother Michael Evans(Elizabeth), Brothers-In-Law Bruce Mosley and Victor Mosley, Sister-In-Law Hilda Evans; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends.