A Celebration of a Life Well Lived and a Woman Well Loved

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteousness judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8

Maerean Busby Bohannon–Evans was born on April 18, 1940, in Estill, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late John H. Busby and Irene Beckett Busby-Foster. She was the family's only girl, consisting of four kids. She was raised in Estill and lived in several locations, including Valdosta, Georgia; Peoria, Illinois; Houston, Texas; and San Diego, California. Finally, she settled in Decatur, Georgia, in 1984, to be near her son and granddaughter. Maerean entered heaven’s gates on June 10, 2025. Maerean is preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, Wendell A. Evans, her parents, and her three siblings.

Maerean graduated from high school in 1963, becoming the first high school graduate in her family since the start of the Jim Crow era. Upon graduation, she attended Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. While at Savannah State, Maerean became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Maerean was allotted this education opportunity as a scholarship recipient through the National Science Foundation. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry from Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

During her illustrious career, Maerean had many accomplishments. For instance, as a Chemist for the United States Department of Agriculture at the Northern Regional Research Center, Peoria, Illinois, she authored six professional papers and earned patents for four vegetable varieties. She also achieved an advanced rank of Senior Research Chemist. In 1978, she was recruited by Caterpillar Tractor Company, Peoria, Illinois, to its metallurgy laboratory. In 1980, she relocated to Houston, Texas, to accept a position with the ENRON Corporation, focusing on minorities in science. The following year, she relocated to California, working with the California Speaker’s Bureau and schools across the state of California.

In 1984, Maerean moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to be closer to her son William and granddaughter Brittany. After relocating, she accepted the position of Director for Science, Engineering, and Technical Careers, managing the dual-degree program between Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia, and Georgia Technical University, Atlanta, Georgia. She served in this position until retirement in 1997. She returned to work A few years later, missing the camaraderie that comes with a professional career. She started her second act as an academic advisor and testing manager for Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, where she remained until permanent retirement in 2012.

Maerean had a deep passion tied to uplifting and educating young black youth. Since science had been her opportunity and lifeline, she always wanted to expose others to those possibilities. Therefore, she dedicated her life to uplifting and exposing young black youth to the opportunities of science. In 1972, she and 12 other Black scientists created the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChe). She served four years as Secretary and ten years as a member of the Board of Directors. The organization partnered with industry and educational institutions to promote minority inclusion. NOBCChe continues to lead the way for minority advancement in professional chemistry and will hold its 52 year annual conference this year in September. In 1974, she co-founded Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians and Managers (TSTM), a program dedicated to motivating at-risk youth to explore careers in the sciences. It continues today as part of the National Urban League’s youth programming. Further, in her effort to help young people, Maerean also served as the Community Liaison Program Manager for Caterpillar.

Maerean’s passion for service was not just limited to science. She was very involved in numerous church and community organizations. She was a longtime member of Saint Philip AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia, serving as a Greeter, Missionary, Vacation Bible School Instructor, and Stewardess. She was especially encouraged and strengthened by her decades-long prayer group membership.

Left to cherish her memory are her Son, William Bohannon, Decatur, Georgia; Granddaughter, Brittany N. Truitt (Willie), Conyers, Georgia; (2) Great-Grandchildren, Chase and Carsen Truitt, Conyers, Georgia; Beloved Stepchildren, Bonus Daughter, Chae`(David) Glover, Manassas, Virginia; (2) Bonus Grandchildren, Brandon Glover and Gabe` Glover; both of Manassas, Virginia. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

“A SERVICE ABOVE SELF”

Please remember to keep the Evans family lifted in prayer.

You may email condolences to: mfrileysfuneralhome@yahoo.com

Interment

Good Hope Missionary Church Cemetery

50 Good Hope Rd.
Estill,, SC 29918

Funeral Service

Jun

21

M.F. Riley's Memorial Chapel| Fairfax, SC

1214 S. Hampton Ave.
Fairfax, SC 29827

2:00 PM