Martha Evans, Longtime Oak Hill Music Teacher, Dies at 85

Evans taught vocal music for over 20 years and was a choir director and member of Oak Hill United Presbyterian Church.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Martha Jane (Phillips) Evans, a longtime vocal music teacher at Oak Hill Union Local School District and choir director at Oak Hill United Presbyterian Church, passed away on March 1, 2026 at the age of 85. Evans was a 1957 graduate of Jackson High School and received her Bachelor of Arts from Ohio University. She shared her lifelong love of music with countless students, churches, and family members over the years.

Why it matters

Martha Evans was a pillar of the Oak Hill community, dedicating over 20 years of her life to teaching music and sharing her passion with students and congregants. Her death marks the end of an era for the local school district and church, which will need to find a way to continue her legacy of music education and leadership.

The details

Evans taught vocal music at Oak Hill Union Local School District for more than 20 years. She was also a choir director and member of Oak Hill United Presbyterian Church, where she shared her love of music with the congregation. Evans was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Randall Clark Evans, who passed away just a month prior on February 12, 2026.

  • Martha Evans passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • A memorial service for Martha and Randy Evans will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Martha Jane (Phillips) Evans

An 85-year-old vocal music teacher who worked for over 20 years at Oak Hill Union Local School District and was a choir director and member of Oak Hill United Presbyterian Church.

Randall Clark Evans

Martha Evans' husband of 69 years, who passed away on February 12, 2026, just a month before Martha.

Oak Hill Union Local School District

The school district where Martha Evans taught vocal music for over 20 years.

Oak Hill United Presbyterian Church

The church where Martha Evans served as a choir director and member, sharing her lifelong love of music.

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What’s next

A memorial service for Martha and Randy Evans will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Decatur Missionary Baptist Church for close friends and family.

The takeaway

Martha Evans' passing marks the end of an era for the Oak Hill community, as she was a beloved music teacher and leader who dedicated over two decades of her life to sharing her passion for music with students and congregants. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched over the years.