Grace W. Evans

Mrs. Grace Werts Evans, 68, of 1503 Clarkson Avenue , Newberry, widow of C. Eugene Evans, died Thursday evening at the Ashley River Towers of the Medical University of South Carolina.

Born and raised in the Jolly Street section of Newberry County , Mrs. Evans was the daughter of the late George Talbert and Edna Wicker Werts. She was a graduate of Prosperity High School and attended Newberry College . Prior to her marriage, she was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and later joined First Baptist Church .

After devoting herself as a full time "Mama", she and her late husband purchased McSwain-Evans Funeral Home in 1982. After his death in 1996, she succeeded her husband as President.

Cherishing her memory are her children, Gena Grace Evans of Arlington, VA, and Gregory Eugene Evans and his wife, Denise, of Newberry and her step-daughter, Jane Evans Harper and her husband Dan of Durham, NC and her grandchildren, who were the lights of her life: Hampton Gregory Evans, Graham Stuart Evans, Anna Grace Evans, and Kathryn Leigh Harper. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Cornelia Werts and Mrs. Narvis Werts, both of Prosperity. Mrs. Evans is also survived by a vast extended family and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Evans was pre-deceased by two brothers, G. Talbert Werts, Jr. and P. Monroe Werts.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM , Monday, May 25, 2009 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Kenneth Harmon, and Dr. Anthony L. Evans. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery . The family is at the residence of Greg and Denise Evans, 2140 Oak Street , and will receive friends at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 PM .

The family suggests that those desiring may make memorials to the charity or church of one’s choice.

Active pallbearers will be Douglas MacFarlane, Paul Werts, David Werts, Barry Werts, Joe Werts, Ernest Shealy, Russell Shealy, and Allen Johnson..

Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of McSwain-Evans Funeral Home.

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