Major Carmen L. Evans

Carmen Lydia Garay was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico to parents Juan and Gloria Garay.  The family moved to Hartford Connecticut wen Carmen was one year old. 

Carmen first attended The Salvation Army in Hartford at the age of five, became a Junior Soldier at seven, was a Sunbeam and Girl Guard, and a graduate Corps Cadet. 

When Carmen was fourteen, a brigade of cadets came from the Training School to conduct meetings at Hartford Citadel.  During the Holiness Meeting, Carmen’s heart was warmed by the alter call and her life was changed, Carmen commented,  “I felt like a different person when I left that place that day”.

At the tender age of fifteen, Carmen’s mother died, and Carmen then took on the role of “mother” to her two sisters, ages eleven and thirteen, and two cousins, ages ten and eleven. Thankfully, Carmen kept up with her school work even though she was the parent of four children. During this time Carmen depended totally on the Lord for guidance and wisdom.

As a tenth grader, Carmen attended  Youth Councils. During the Holiness meeting, while the congregation was singing, “Follow, I will Follow Thee My Lord”, Carmen accepted her Call to Officership, the Lord told her that he would make a way for her to go to training.

Carmen entered the School for Officer Training in Suffern, New York as a member of The Light Bringers Session on Cadets.  On June 6, 1971 Cadet Carmen Garay was Ordained and Commissioned as a Lieutenant.  Her first appointment was as the Corps Officer at the Newark (Westside) Corps. 

Captain Carmen Garay met Captain George Evans and were married on June 10^, 1972. The couple were blessed with three children, Richard, Leticia, and Michael.

Major Carmen Evans was an active officer for over 45 years. She earned an Associates Degree in Business and Bachelors Degree in Accounting in 1988 and an MBA in 2003.

Mission Journey

In retirement Major Carmen enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and attending her local corps.

One of God’s faithful Light Bringers has entered her eternal home and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Major Carmen L. Evans was Promoted to Glory, on Saturday, May 6, 2023.  We ask God to comfort her dear family and friends as they mourn.  Major Carmen L. Evans was predeceased by her husband of 28 years, Major George Evans who was Promoted to Glory on January 20, 2000.

The Celebration of Life will take place on May 20, 2023, at 11:00 am at The Salvation Army Hartford Citadel Corps, (860) 543-8413,  225 Washington St, Hartford, CT 06106-0848.