Betsy Evans

Elizabeth Anna Nooe Harris Evans (“Betsy”), 86, died early Sunday morning, July 20, 2008 in Mocksville. Betsy was born January 17, 1922 in Lexington, NC to the late William Osmond and Allie Nooe Hutchison Harris. She attended Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University) where she met and fell in love with Neil Evans. She completed a business course at UNC-Greensboro and subsequently worked at Commercial Bank of Lexington and as secretary of the Lexington Retail Merchants Association. She and Neil married August 8, 1942. Neil preceded her in death on June 19, 2008. Their marriage, love, and devotion lasted for almost 66 years. After she and Neil had their first child, Betsy spent the next 25 years at home as wife and mother. She made costumes and clothes, attended numerous school activities, took carloads of children to the pool and other activities, and otherwise made her time available to her children and their friends and schoolmates. She and Neil enjoyed playing bridge, and she hosted many bridge parties. She was introduced to ceramics in the late 1960s and spent almost 20 years painting and then teaching ceramics. Her passion and skill developed into a full-time job as activities supervisor with the Lexington Recreation Department from which she retired. She will be remembered for her creativity and devotion to family and friends. Betsy served as president of the Club of the Golden Years in 1988-1989 and as secretary in 1984-1985. She was a member of the board of directors of the Cancer Society in 1985 and president of the Lexington Garden Council from 1985-1987. She was a member of the Fairview Garden Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the VFW Auxiliary. Betsy is survived by three children: Neil C. Evans, Jr. and his wife Anne P. Evans of Bennett, NC; Dr. James H. (Jim) Evans and wife Melinda I. Evans of Mocksville, NC; and Elizabeth A. (Libby) Evans of Chapel Hill, NC. Also surviving are grandchildren Amy Evans, Kelly Evans, Wesley Evans, Alex Evans and Jack Evans and great grandchildren Lila, Mikah and Lana. The family would like to thank the staff of Autumn Care Nursing Home for the professional care and personal expressions of affection for Betsy. Betsy had two brothers and a sister, Don, Bill, and Rosalind. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, her aunt Elizabeth (“Lib”) Hutchison preceded Betsy in death. Funeral Services will be conducted at 4:00 PM Wednesday, July 23, from the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ray Surratt officiating, with a graveside service following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church at 3:00 before the service. Memorial contributions in Betsy's memory may be sent to the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Piedmont Funeral Home.