Maude “Evelyn” Evans, 86, passed in her sleep surrounded by her loving family, on July 12, 2022 at 10:09 AM. Mrs. Evans was born on October 30, 1935 in Lyons, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcus and Velma Hall, 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Also, her oldest son, Dennis Paul Evans and her great-granddaughter, Ella Ann Hubler. Evelyn is survived by her loving husband, Paul Evans, and adoring children, Marsha (Doug) Wendt, Carol (Randy) Suggs, and David (Dianne) Evans. She is blessed to have 4 grandchildren, Michelle (Clark) Mason, TJ (Lorraine) Beasley, Colte Suggs, and Rachel Suggs; and 6 great grandchildren, Melisa Mason, Gavin Beasley, Calista Mason, Tyler Beasley, Grayson Beasley, and Hoyt Reed Hubler.
Evelyn or “El” as she was lovingly called, grew up between homes in Georgia and Florida. She attended school in Waresboro, GA and assisted her family by helping with her younger sisters and brothers and was referred to as “little Mama”. She was crowned “Halloween Queen” while attending Waresboro High School. Her family moved to Apopka, Florida in July of 1952. She worked at Mulford Florida Plants where she met Samuel “Paul” Evans. Paul worked at Mulford’s after he was discharged from the Army. They dated for a little while and were married on August 1, 1953. This year they would have been married 69 years.
There is so much that can be said about Evelyn, but nothing defined her more than her relationship with God. She was a true prayer warrior who fought battles on her knees on behalf of her loved ones, family and friends. She lived a life that demonstrated Christ’s love. She cared for the downcast, broken hearted, and those in need by welcoming them into her home and treating them as family. As she did, she pointed them to her source of hope, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. She loved to teach the Bible and did so for many years at New England Heights Baptist Church and then First Baptist Church of Apopka.
Evelyn lived a full and rewarding life. She worked hard, lived life to the fullest, and loved unconditionally. She ran a dress shop called Fashions by Evelyn in Apopka for 6 years. She worked alongside her husband at their own nursery, Evans Nursery for a number of years. After retirement, she found she couldn’t stay still and worked for 6 more years as the Chief Estimator at Randy Suggs Landscaping.
When she wasn’t working, she loved to travel. She frequently took trips with friends and family. She loved taking trips to the mountains because it was a reminder and picture of God’s creation and greatness. She often told loved ones about her trip with family to Hawaii and her 50th anniversary trip out west including Las Vegas. However, no location captured her heart like Jerusalem, the Holy Land. She took many trips to Israel and loved to share the memories through photos and stories with all.
She bravely told her children she was ready for her permanent address in heaven this past week, as she had fought a hard battle to breathe and continue to be there for everyone, especially her husband, Paul. They are heart broken, but happy to know that today she is pain free and celebrating with Dennis, Ella and all those who have left before her.
The Evans Family Headstone states mom’s new address, “We have a new address, Heaven, 316 Saint John’s Way”.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”- John 3:16
Flowers are accepted as well as donations to one of Evelyn’s favorite charities — Wounded Warrior Project