2026 G-HCBHS Gala

Evans Music Productions: A Legacy of Faith, Family & Musical Excellence

Founded in Gainesville, Georgia, Evans Music Productions stands as a multigenerational testament to faith, family, community, and the transformative power of music. What began in 1995 as a small, heartfelt venture offering piano, drum, and guitar lessons and selling sheet music has grown into a full-service audio, video, and production company serving churches, schools, and communities throughout Gainesville-Hall County and beyond.

The foundation of Evans Music Productions was laid by Mr. Jimmy Evans, the second of five children born to the late John W. Evans Jr. and Marion B. Evans. Jimmy’s musical journey began at age thirteen with the guitar, a passion that would shape his life’s work. After graduating from Johnson High School in 1975, he embarked on a professional music career, performing with notable groups such as The Gospel Stairways, The Norman Brothers, Souls of Calvary, and The Gospel DC’s. His talent contributed to multiple recorded albums and successful tours throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1984, Jimmy became the Minister of Music at Antioch Baptist Church in Gainesville, where he has faithfully served for 42 years. His leadership extended beyond the church walls, co-founding the Gainesville Community Mass Choir in 1986, a dynamic ensemble that brought together voices from across the region for concerts, worship events, and community uplift for more than a decade.

When the Chicopee Mill Plant closed in 1994, Jimmy, along with his devoted wife Cecelia of 42 years, took a leap of faith and brought Evans Music Productions to life. Together they began to build more than a business, but a generational legacy that would live beyond themselves and in the hearts of many. From teaching and producing music to becoming known locally as “the CD/DVD man,” Jimmy’s reputation for excellence and service flourished. Today, the company’s services include PA and sound system installations, sound booth design, equipment and camera setup, home and church security installations, TV mounting, and audio system rentals. Jimmy continues to be celebrated for his selflessness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to honoring God through music. 

As the business grew, so did the involvement of his sons; each contributing his own gifts and expanding the Evans legacy. Shamone Evans, the eldest son, grew up immersed in the sounds of both gospel and R&B—an influence shaped by his father’s musicianship and his mother’s love of soulful music. From sitting in on rehearsals to experimenting with equipment at church, he developed a keen ear and a natural curiosity for sound. These early experiences sparked a passion that evolved into his work as a DJ and music producer. Today, Shamone channels that creativity into advancing Evans Music Productions’ modern production capabilities, ensuring the company continues to help churches and communities communicate their message with clarity, excellence, and artistry.

The legacy didn’t just stop in the south but made its way far West and East internationally through the sensational vocal sounds and pen of JJ Evans! As the second oldest son, the big move to Hollywood wasn’t too far-fetched for this Pop, R&B, Soul artist! His thriving solo career, new position at 153 Entertainment, and production and songwriting for other artists were highly welcomed in the streets of Los Angeles, CA back in 2017. With his Gainesville roots, by way of Atlanta, JJ has made his mark in the songwriting industry with hits on the Asian Pop charts by EXO, TVXQ, SHINEE, MCND, ASTRO, Red Velvet, Oh My Girl, and numerous others! Now as the owner of Dream City Enterprises, the first recording artist signed to Dream City Records, songwriter, producer, touring background vocalist, and visionary, JJ continues to inspire and empower people all over the world with his electrifying gifts! He stands firm on his belief that everyone is born with a unique and specific purpose, and he plans to continue his mission to bring joy and life to everyone he encounters!

They say “third time’s a charm” and it’s evident in the way Brandon Evans, the youngest Evans son, shines. As a Gainesville native and lifelong participant in church and community arts, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia   State University in 2010. After teaching piano at Centennial Arts Academy, Brandon found his calling in mentorship. His work with Gainesville youth led to his appointment as Mentorship Coordinator for the Gainesville City School District in 2015, where he built powerful partnerships with CenterPoint, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Beulah Rucker EMEN Program, many local sororities and fraternities, and Gainesville High School’s “Breakfast of Champions.” In 2023, he rebranded the school mentorship program and founded RED Mentoring Program, which serves students grades 3-12 within the district.  In 2012, Brandon founded Men Alive LLC, a thriving mentorship program guiding young men through identity, education, leadership, and personal style. Over the past 14 years, he’s had more than 90 young men inducted into this exclusive community mentorship program.  While deeply involved in community development, Brandon now leads the instructional side of Evans Music Productions, teaching young musicians and carrying forward the company’s educational roots.

Together, the entire family represents the heart of Evans Music Productions—one bound by faith, music, purpose, and service. For over three decades, Evans Music Productions has remained committed to uplifting the Gainesville-Hall County community through quality sound, mentorship, and ministry. What began as one man’s dream has grown into a family legacy—one that continues to inspire, educate, and empower through the universal language of music.

Mrs. Myrtle W. Figueras: A Lifetime of Service and Achievement

Educational Background 

Mrs. Myrtle W. Figueras is a distinguished educator whose academic journey began at Douglas High School, where she earned her high school diploma. She continued her education at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, obtaining an undergraduate degree in French. Furthering her expertise, Mrs. Figueras received a master’s degree in French education from the University of Georgia. She also pursued additional studies at Appalachian State University and the University of Nice in France, underscoring her commitment to advanced learning and professional development. 

Teaching Career and Professional Contributions 

With a teaching career spanning three decades, Mrs. Figueras served as a French teacher in Gainesville City Schools from 1965 to 1995. Throughout her tenure, she was recognized for her excellence in education, receiving honors such as Georgia French Teacher of the Year and the STAR Teacher award. Even after her retirement, Mrs. Figueras remained dedicated to teaching, working as an adjunct professor at Brenau University and offering private instruction and community-based language programs. Her expertise in individualized instruction was showcased in her article published in the professional journal, The Beacon. She has actively contributed to educational dialogue by presenting at various educational and civic events. Her passion for language and culture led her to travel extensively throughout Europe, including visits to France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. 

Community Involvement and Recognition 

Mrs. Figueras’ impact reaches beyond the classroom. She has been honored with several distinctions, including the Girl Scouts’ Woman of Distinction award, Citizen of the Year, and an Honorary Diploma from Gainesville High School. Demonstrating her commitment to supporting future generations, she established the Myrtle Figueras Scholarship for Gainesville High School students. 

Civic Leadership 

Mrs. Figueras’s dedication to public service is evident in her civic leadership. Following her election to the Gainesville City Council in 1996, she served four terms as a council member and two terms as Mayor of Gainesville. Her contributions were recognized with her induction into the Municipal Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Lifetime Service Award for 50 years of public service. She completed over 250 hours of municipal training and earned multiple certificates of achievement for her efforts. 

Board Memberships and Committee Service 

Her commitment to the community is reflected in her active participation on numerous boards, committees, and organizations. These include the Hall County Commission of Families and Children, Economic Development Council, Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce Board, Board of Directors of the Beulah Rucker Foundation, Phi Delta Kappa, Parks and Recreation Board of Directors, Gainesville Non-Profit Housing Board, Historic Preservation Board, and the Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society, Inc. 

Church Leadership and Volunteer Work 

As a devoted member of St. John Baptist Church, Mrs. Figueras has taken on various leadership and volunteer roles. She has served as Youth Director Coordinator, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Building Committee member, and a member of the Angelic Voices Choir, contributing to the spiritual and communal life of her church. 

Current Initiatives 

Mrs. Figueras continues to be actively engaged in multicultural and literacy initiatives. She coordinates the French Friends Social Club, a vibrant group of 90 members representing 7 to 10 foreign countries who share a desire to speak French. Additionally, she leads Literacy Pals, a reading group located at Faithful Christian Worship Center, furthering her lifelong commitment to education and community service. 

Conclusion 

The Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society, Inc. proudly recognizes Mrs. Myrtle W. Figueras as a pillar of the Gainesville-Hall County community for her outstanding achievements and continued dedication and leadership. 

Mrs. Linda Rucker Hutchens: A Life of Dedication and Service

Early Life and Education

Linda Rucker Hutchens is a native of Hall County, Georgia, and the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin (Johnnie Lucille) Rucker. She attended Gainesville City Schools, graduating with honors from E.E. Butler High School in 1966. In June 1968, she became the first African American student to earn an Associate-in-Science degree from Gainesville Junior College, now known as the University of North Georgia. Linda continued her academic pursuits at the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1970. She later received a master's degree in education from North Georgia College (now University of North Georgia, Dahlonega) in 1977.

Professional Career

Shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia, Mrs. Hutchens began her teaching career in the Gainesville City School System. She initially retired from the school system in 2001 but returned to teaching in the fall of 2005, eventually retiring permanently in 2008. Her commitment to education extended beyond the traditional classroom; she also served as an Adult Literacy, GED, and ESL instructor at Lanier Technical College and Interactive Learning Systems. Notably, she instructed the first Hall County student to win the EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Award.

Her dedication to learning and community outreach was further demonstrated through her involvement as an instructor in Gainesville College’s (now University of North Georgia) Summer Scholars Institute, the Greater Northwestern Baptist Association Congress of Education, and as a private community tutor. In 2002, she initiated an After School Program for children in grades 1 through 6 at Gainesville’s Salvation Army Center of Hope. She also completed American Red Cross courses, became certified, and taught HIV/AIDS Prevention classes.

Church, Civic, and Community Involvement

Mrs. Hutchens has been deeply engaged in numerous church, civic, and service organizations. She was formerly a member of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as clerk, choir member, youth director, and vacation Bible school teacher. At St. Paul United Methodist Church, she has held roles such as Chancel Choir member, trustee board member, secretary of United Methodist Women, and Education chairperson. She continues to serve as administrative council chair, adult Sunday school teacher, vacation Bible school teacher, and as a member of the United Women of Faith.

Her community service also includes being a charter member of the Lambda Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has contributed to various boards and organizations, including the Hall County Library Board, Gainesville Neighborhood Revitalization Board, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Advisory Board, Gainesville College Alumni Association, Fair Street-Butler Alumni Association, Gainesville Historic Preservation Commission, Gainesville Association of Educators, Georgia Association of Educators, and National Education Association. Additionally, she participated in Women on the Move and their production of the play, “On Our Way to the Slabtown Convention.” Mrs. Hutchens co-led Girl Scout Troop #84 with Joanne Ramsey and Ella Wilmont Smith and co-founded the Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society in 2002 with Ella Wilmont Smith. Together, they co-authored Hall County, Georgia, the Black America Series, a pictorial history published in 2004. She has served as president, secretary, and treasurer of the Hall County Black History Society, Inc.

Honors and Awards

Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Hutchens has received several honors and awards. These include Gainesville Middle School Teacher of the Year in 1986 and 2000, American Legion Teacher of the Year in 1992, Newtown Florist Club Drum Major for Justice in Education in 1997, Newtown Florist Club Drum Major of the Year in 2022, Gents Club Pageant Committee recognition in 1989 and 1990, and the American Red Cross/Genesis HIV/AIDS Prevention Educator Award in 1993.

Personal Life

Mrs. Hutchens is the widow of the late George Hutchens and the mother of Diane Rachelle Hutchens.

Mrs. Deborah Keith Mack: A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Early Life and Education 

Mrs. Deborah Keith Mack is a 1963 graduate of E.E. Butler High School, where she was honored as the first Miss Butler High School. She pursued higher education at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree. 

Professional Career 

Following her graduation from Spelman College, Mrs. Mack began her career in education as a Pre-kindergarten teacher with the Gainesville City School System. After two years, she transitioned to the Georgia Department of Labor, becoming the first Black professional employed at the Gainesville office. Mrs. Mack dedicated 31 years to the Department of Labor, serving with distinction until her retirement in November 2000. 

Public Service and Leadership 

Mrs. Mack’s commitment to serving her community continued as she was elected Hall County Commissioner, a role she held from August 2002 to December 2008. During her tenure, she chaired the Association of County Commissioners of the Georgia Health and Human Services Committee and was an active member of the National Association of County Human Services and Education Committee. She also participated in the National Association of County Officials Health Leadership Institute and joined other city and county officials on a study trip to Mexico. Notably, Ms. Mack led efforts to secure funding from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department, resulting in more than $1.09 million awarded for housing rehabilitation and down-payment assistance in Gainesville’s Black/Cooley Drive area. 

Civic and Community Involvement 

Mrs. Mack’s civic engagement is extensive. Her many memberships and affiliations include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, founding member and past president of WomenSource, Gateway Domestic Violence Center, and Fair Street-Butler High Schools Alumni Association, Inc. She has served with organizations such as the Avita Agency, Court Systems Mental Health Advisory Board, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Hall County Board of Health, Hall County Juvenile Review Panel, Gainesville High School CTAE Advisory Board, Georgia Family Connection Partnerships, Guest House Board, Workforce Investment Board, Hall County Family Connection, Northeast Georgia History Center, Sunshine Seniors, Northeast Georgia Health System Advisory Committee, Lighthouse Manor, Couch Scholarship Fund, Hall County Board of Equalization, Gainesville Youth Detention Center Advisory Board, Hall County Jury Commission, Friends of Recovery, United Way of Hall County, Hall County Civil Service Board, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Board, Georgia Mountain Food Bank, Hall County Parks and Leisure Service, North Georgia Community Foundation, Gainesville-Hall County Human Relations Council, YMCA, Girls Inc., and Boys and Girls Club of Hall County. 

Religious and Spiritual Leadership 

Mrs. Mack is a dedicated member of First Baptist Church on MLK Drive, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She has contributed as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent, summer camp director, vacation Bible school teacher and director, and youth director. Her involvement extends to the Greater Northwestern Baptist Association and the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc., where she has served in numerous leadership roles, including president and retreat coordinator for the Women’s Auxiliary, president of the Ninth District Women’s Auxiliary, and coordinator of the Women’s Auxiliary Business and Professional Committee. 

Awards and Recognition 

Mrs. Mack’s commitment and impact have been recognized with numerous awards, including: 

• The first Black Gainesville Rotary Woman of the Year Award 
• Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction Award 
• National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women “Saluting Phenomenal Trailblazers” Award 
• Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society, Inc. Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Civic Responsibility 
• Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Silver Shovel Award 
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Honoree for Community Improvement 
• Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year Award 
• City of Gainesville Distinguished Citizen Award 
• Kiwanis Club Youth Service Award 

In honor of her parents, William and Amanda Keith, Mrs. Mack established a $1,000 scholarship for minority students. 

Conclusion 

The Gainesville-Hall County Black History Society, Inc. proudly recognizes Mrs. Deborah Keith Mack as a pillar of the Gainesville-Hall County community for her outstanding achievements, leadership and dedication.