The life of "Nana" (Willia) Jo Evans, age 81, formerly of Williamson, WV, drew to a peaceful close on Sunday, July 14, as she embarked on her final journey surrounded by her beloved husband and two daughters. She leaves behind her numerous careers as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighborhood watch, and teacher. She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Rene; granddaughter, Rachael; and beloved son-in-law, Dennis Ross.

In 1961, eloping with her high school sweetheart, she married Billy Ray Evans. Despite his playful reminders each birthday that he married an older woman, as she was nine weeks older, their bond endured for an impressive 62 years. Together, they created a simple yet fulfilling life with never-ending love.

Beginning in 1973, Nana Jo's legacy as an educator shone brightly during her 23-year tenure teaching Physical Education and preschool at St. Mary Star of the Sea School. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the classroom walls as she and Billy Ray opened Little E's Convenience Store in Buckroe in 1976, which quickly became a cornerstone of the community.

Active in both church and community, Nana Jo was a member of the Colonial Chapter Order of Eastern Star and a friend of Calvary Baptist Church. Her spare time was filled with the joys of reading, bowling, coaching soccer, and umpiring softball with her husband as an ASA Official, all while supporting her daughters as a dance stage mom and coaching their cheerleading, basketball, and softball.

Retirement ushered in a new chapter of caregiving, first for her now late father-in-law and later through her enjoyment of sewing baby blankets for family and friends. Her resilience was tested in 2011 with a four-year battle against ovarian cancer—a fight she faced with unwavering determination and emerged victorious from in 2015, surrounded by love and support.

Nana Jo took immense pride in the lives and achievements of her four grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Affectionately known as "Nana Jo" or simply "Nana" by an extended family of friends, she cultivated a legacy of warmth and kindness that extended far beyond blood.

Nana Jo leaves behind her loving husband, Billy Ray Evans; daughters Dawn E. Ross and Jean E. Parra with son-in-law Robby Parra; grandchildren Lindsay & Joe Ingraham, Wade & Rachelle Ross, Tiffany & Jackson Guthrie, and Natalie Parra; and great-grandsons Caden and Miles Ingraham. Additionally, she is survived by her sisters, Margaret Yeoman and Sandra White, alongside her West Virginia family.

The family is incredibly grateful to Nurse Angela of Amedysis Home Health for her friendship and dedication over the past five years. Additionally, the family is thankful to Shaliyah and Tracey for their dedicated service in assisting with in-home care. The family is extremely appreciative of the compassionate teams at Riverside Hospital, Hampton Health & Rehab, the Devonshire, and Amedysis Home Health & Hospice Care for their dedicated care and support throughout Nana Jo's journey. The family is thankful for all the support received from family, friends, and neighbors throughout the past several years.

Services will be conducted on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at R Hayden Smith Funeral Home at 12:00 pm and may be watched live by clicking HERE after 11:55 PM.  Visitation with the family prior to the service beginning at 11:15 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters or a charity of your choice, with a simple request: whenever you enjoy a Diet Coke, cookie, or a piece of chocolate, remember Nana Jo with love.