Eva M. Wilson

Mother Eva M. Wilson of East Chicago, IN was called to her heavenly home, at the age of 83, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Eva was born on October 10, 1942 in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Jeanetta Friley. She moved to East Chicago, IN at the age of 10, where she quickly made friends and became a staple of the East Chicago community. Eva accepted Christ at an early age and was a dedicated member of New Community Baptist Church in Hammond, IN, where she faithfully served in several ministries including, the Nurses Ministry and the Mother's Board.  She was a proud graduate of East Chicago Washington’s Class of 1963. In 1993, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Social Work/Psychology from Calumet College of Saint Joseph and went on to work as a Social Worker, advocating for those living with mental health illness, substance use challenges and children in foster care. 

In every season of her life, she taught those around her, often without trying, how to work with purpose, keep going when things were hard, and care for others. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, she faced it with remarkable resilience, hope, and an eternal faith and trust in God to ensure her treatment was one that allowed her to keep living the life she loved and felt called to live. 

Eva loved being in the community, meeting new people, building relationships, and creating memories with old and new friends. One of her favorite ways of doing this was by attending the senior events hosted by the City of East Chicago. She also cherished her favorite past time of fishing and going to farmer’s markets to pick fresh fruits and vegetables. 

She was a loving sister, aunt, and friend. She dedicated her life to the well-being of her family, especially her younger siblings, always making sure that they were cared for and never missing an important milestone. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Eva was preceded in death by her mother Jeanette Friley; aunt, Ella Hill; uncle,  William “Bud” Hill and one brother, Jessie James Freeman Jr. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, three brothers: Alvin (Sharon) Simmons, Eric Freeman and Derrick Freeman; one sister; Brenda (Will Jr) Winfield; three nieces: Dr. Taheerah “Tye” Freeman, Jazmine Simmons, Ashley (Ruben) Ramos; 1 great-nephew: Brandon Demby Jr; 2 great nieces: Donia Josey and Isabella Ramos; 1 god-daughter, Tracy Smith; special cousin, Ernestine Joy; special friends Marva Jo Ross-Joy, Seretha Woods and a host of relatives and friends. 

Funeral & Visitation Services by: New Community Baptist Church 707 169th St Hammond, In 46323 Visitation Services: Saturday, March 7th, 2026 10:00am-11:00am. Funeral Services: 11:00am Divinity Funeral Home in charge of services. 

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