Voncele Louise Evans-Crenshaw

Voncele Louise Evans-Crenshaw was born on October 29, 1952, in Macon, Ga, to the late Washington Evans, I, and Nettie May Evans. In her early years, the Evans Family relocated to Paterson, NJ. Voncele gained her education in the Paterson Public School System. She attended School # 25 and then went on to Eastside High School, where she graduated.

Voncele cherished her family and everyone she came in contact with. Voncele started working as a Clerk at Dr. Thomas's office on Broadway in Paterson, then as an Office Manager at National Malt Brewing Company. Voncele then changed Careers and became a Manager of the Nurses at Daughter of Miriam in Clifton, NJ, where she retired. 

Voncele married three times. First, She married Joe Grier, the famous boxing manager from Paterson, NJ; from this union came her first child, Veronica Michelle Grier. Then, she married Edward Lee Campbell of Paterson, NJ. You know the old saying, "If you try something twice unsuccessful, then the third time's a charm." Oh, what a charm that was. Voncele met and married the love of her life, Mr. John Crenshaw; from this union came their baby girl, Eva Crenshaw). Voncele cherished John until her dying day. She loved calling his name "John". If you knew John or Voncele, you knew she loved and worshiped the ground he walked on. Just as the Bible says in John 15:12, My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Also, Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love.

Voncele Loved the Lord and was a member of Faith Worship Center of Paterson, NJ, where she served as one of the Mothers on the Church Mother Board under the Pastoral Leadership of Pastor Larry & Pastor Leisa McKenzie. Mother Voncele Crenshaw was the first member always in their church before it started. Voncele also was a member of Eastern Star.

Voncele loved fashion and being elegant, classy, and charming. She loved her diamond earrings and her fur coats. Voncele always showed up and showed out for everyone she knew and loved. Voncele was well known for opening up her home and hosting some of the best parties a family or friend can ever attend. She hosted everything from weddings, baby showers, funerals, and marriages. She also loved vacationing, going on cruises, and going to all the tropical islands. She had a special love for her furry children: Lady Bug, Mr. Bug, Tattoo, Baby, Sandy, Bambi & Snoopy, to name a few. So that you know, DO NOT PISS HER OFF! Boy, was she a firecracker when she got upset. But no matter what, her beauty and personality shined brightly. She was powerful and confident in everything she did. She was so confident that she opened her restaurant called Crenshaw Deli. To this day, her business is the longest-lasting restaurant on Vreeland Ave, besides the Chinese store.

In Voncele's later years, she moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where it was her joy and pleasure to watch her grandchildren grow up. She enjoyed messing with them and then getting in trouble with them because Eva now became The Mother figure, and she enjoyed trying to get Eva back for her childhood years; no matter what, Voncele Loved her Children & grandchildren & Her Husband John Crenshaw.

On December 29, 2024, at Wilkes Barre General Hospital, The Lord wrapped Voncele up in His arms and carried her away Home to be with Him.

She was preceded in death by The Love of Her Life, John Crenshaw; her parents, Washington Evans, I & Nettie May Evans; sister Bonnie Evans, brothers Washington Evans, Jr and Herman Evans; and her granddaughter Jordan Tiana Grayson.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her daughters Veronica Michelle Grier & Eva Crenshaw; her step-children Shana Parker, John Crenshaw, Jr, Michelle Crenshaw, Rev. Michael Crenshaw, Ronnie Crenshaw, Bronica Crenshaw, and Leon Crenshaw; her grandchildren Taylor Crenshaw and Tyson Crenshaw; godchildren Bruce J McLaurin, Jr. and Jashon Jackson; special friends Eva Ruth and Pat; her special cousin Kathy Bradshaw; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebration of Voncele's Life takes place on Saturday, January 11, 2024 from 2 to 3:30 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre.