Tara R. Evans-Bilal 1950-2019

Tara was born May 28, 1950, in Warren, to Orion and Thelma Seabrook. She graduated from Warren Western Reserve High School and continued her education to receive a bachelor of science degree in business and master’s degree in human resources.

She married Robert Evans (Faheem Bilal) in 1980, and they lived together in Youngstown, and raised two children.

Tara was an entrepreneur and was passionate about affecting the most positive change in people. Whether it was offering sage advice or her expertise on herbs, teas, and tonics, Tara had a remedy for it all and it spilled over into her cooking. She founded the Grass Routes Restaurant in 1981 and was a culinary artist before her time — creating a whole foods movement with a fusion of soul that sparks delicious memories with the mere mention of her name. One of her most well-known creations was the Pita Pocket sandwich that was even targeted and sought out by a very well-known fast food chain. Some of her other recognitions include: professor at Harding Business College, YSU football team tutor, jewelry fashionista, and stealing the hearts of everyone she came in contact with.

She leaves as her legacy two children: Kellisha Sharief (Lord Hakeem) and Kelan Bilal (Lynnette). She also leaves to cherish her memory one sibling, Tracene Kerns (Richard); two sisters-in-law, Adilah Bilal and Patricia Watson; one brother-in-law, James Evans; 11 grandchildren, Latrice Bilal, Teayla Libby, Jalisa Diaz, Aliyah Dejesus, Alyssah Serrano, Arielle Edwards, Lord Hakeem Sharief Jr., Aliyah Sharief, Tahirah Sharief, Kameelah Sharief and Lord Yasir Sharief; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Her children remember her as a matriarch of the family.

She was preceded in death by Orion Seabrook (father), Thelma Seabrook (mother), Faheem Bilal (husband), and Terry Michael Seabrook (brother).

Tara was laid to rest with her husband at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., on Nov. 26, 2019.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 5, 2020, at St. Michael Hall, 125 Steel St., Youngstown.

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