GMF honors the blessed life and legacy of Dr. Lou Della Evans-Reid, beloved gospel choir director and pillar of the Chicago gospel community, who transitioned on July 5, 2025, just two days before her 95th birthday.
For decades, Dr. Evans-Reid’s leadership at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church helped enhance the sound of gospel. Countless singers and musicians across generations consider her a mentor.
Tacuma Roeback of Chicago Defender wrote a moving piece about her life and work. Read the full article here: Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Co-Founder and Gospel Legend Lou Della Evans-Reid Dies at 94
Celebration of Life details are as follows:
Friday, July 11, 2025
Visitation: 10 AM – 2 PM CST
Evans Funeral Home
6451 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60636
Lie In State: 4 PM – 7 PM CST
Fellowship Chicago
4543 S. Princeton Ave., Chicago, IL 60609
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Wake: 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM CST
Celebration of Life: 10 AM CST
Apostolic Faith Church
3823 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60653
The Celebration of Life will be streamed on Fellowship Chicago’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
We join the gospel community in giving thanks for her ministry, her music, and her indelible mark on our lives. Rest well, “Mama Lou.”
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.