Obituaries
Dorothy Jordan Evan (08-06-2009)
Dorothy Jordan Evans died Aug. 4, 2009 in Ruston after a prolonged illness. Visitation will be at Grace United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, in Ruston on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 - 7 p.m.. Memorial service is at Trinity United Methodist Church of Ruston on Friday, Aug. 7 at 11 a.m., following private interment. Rev. Jerry Hilbun and Rev. Ben Fant will lead the Celebration Service of her life. Dorothy Evans was born Dec. 29, 1924 in West Monroe. She was married to Rev. James O. Evans for 64 years. They were partners in ministry in United Methodist Churches in Georgia and Louisiana for 35 years. She was a gracious hostess, opening her home to minister to people from all backgrounds. After retirement she joined her husband in Kairos and Epiphany Prison Ministries.
Their children are Dr. Marilyn Whitley-Schaffer and husband Steve of Brentwood, TN; James “Jim” Harold Evans and wife Kathy of Austin, TX; and Rev. Dr. A. Wayne Evans and wife Renee of Ruston. Rev. and Mrs. Evans have 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Crate and Nannie Cotten Jordan.
Dorothy Evans was the youngest, by several years, of 5 children. As a teenager she “diapered every one of her nieces and nephews,” and continued caring and nurturing children her entire life. She graduated from LA Tech with B.S. and Master’s degrees. She taught in schools throughout Louisiana for 27 years. Although she was primarily a home economics teacher, she taught every age level in public schools and in Sunday Schools throughout her career. Many of her recipes have been published nationally in cookbooks.
She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, the Willing Workers Sunday School Class, and United Methodist Women; She served in District and Annual Conference committees of UMW. Upon their retirement from the pastorate, she and her husband established and operated Evans Eden Fruit Farm for the past 21 years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epiphany Prison Ministry, 108 Towering Pines Dr., West Monroe, and LA 71291. Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.kipatrickfuneralhomes.com.
