Estella "Stella" Evans' Obituary
Ms. Estella Evans passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at the age of 86.
Affectionately known as Stella, she was born in Oakfield, Georgia, to Rebecca Harvey and Marcus Perry. She attended grade school in Oakfield. Stella was known as an avid reader who developed a lifelong love for the Bible and found great joy in teaching it to others.
After her family relocated to Winter Park, Florida, she attended Hungerford High School. In 1955, the family moved to Utica, New York, where Stella began building a life centered on faith, family, and service. She was employed at Beaunit Fibers, became a devoted mother, and was an active member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1983, Stella moved to Syracuse, New York, to pursue a new employment opportunity. She joined the Environmental Services Department at Upstate University Medical Center’s Regional Oncology Center, where she faithfully served for 17 years before retiring.
Outside of work, Stella loved singing in the choir at True Christian Community Church. She enjoyed watching Walker, Texas Ranger, NCIS, CSI: Miami, and the Madea movie series. At the encouragement of her son Freddy, she also became a devoted Buffalo Bills fan.
Stella had a generous heart. She served as a foster mother and found great joy in cooking for anyone who came to her door hungry. Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith touched the lives of many. Those who knew Stella best also knew her playful side. She was affectionately known as the “boombasket queen,” always ready with a smile, a laugh, and her famous playful pats on the boombasket for the people she loved. It was one of the many ways she showed her affection and brought joy and laughter to those around her. Her love was big, her spirit was strong, and her presence was unforgettable.
Stella was preceded in death by her parents, Rebecca Harvey and Marcus Perry; her former spouse, Charles Evans; her brothers, Jimmy Allen and John Henry Stephens; her sister, Alma Jean Lopez; her nephew, Fredrick D. Winston; and her grand-nephews, Morgan B. Minor and Haki Nkrumah, Jr. and brother in laws Louis Robertson and Earnest Robertson.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: Freddy L. Perry Sr, Sabrina Amlett (James), and Octavia J. Evans.
She is survived by her grandchildren: Felicia, Freddy Jr., Grace, Malika, Raheem, Maria, Javier, and Jereena.
Stella was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Jadah, Josiah, Luke, Micah, Matteo, Giuseppa, Isaiah, Ellis, Kaden, Adream, London, Valerie, Emori, Valerie Rose, Leah, Jaxson, and Sevyn.
She is further survived by her loving sisters: Bertha Robertson, Peggy Robertson, Doris Wyley (Wayne), and Bernice Hill-Hickey, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will deeply miss her.
The family of Estella Evans extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers, employees, and volunteers who lovingly cared for Stella during her final days. They also sincerely thank everyone who called, visited, prayed, and offered comfort and support during this difficult time. A special thank you is extended to Giovanna Perry (former wife of Freddy L. Perry Sr.), who lovingly stayed by Stella’s side during her final hours, providing comfort, care, and companionship until she passed.
Visitation will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, immediately followed by a funeral service in celebration of Stella’s life at 6:00 P.M. in the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Road (Corner of Buckley Road) Syracuse, NY 13212.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the CNY food bank in Stella’s honor.
A private celebration of Stella’s life will be held on August 29, 2026. Details will be shared with friends and family.
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