Jeanne Barrett Evans
Jeanne Barrett Evans died on February 12, 2021, at the age of 93.
Jeanne was born on Dec. 8, 1927, in Whittier, NC, to the late Doris Cooper and Julian Erastus Barrett.
Raised in Dillsboro, NC, Jeanne attended college at Converse College in nearby Greenville, SC where she majored in music and played the piano. While at Converse, she fell in love with one of the few male students (a voice major) allowed to attend this school for women. She and Jack first met through music and continued a life-long love of music throughout their married years. Later Jeanne taught piano lessons to help put Jack through medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill. After Jack’s medical training, they moved to Chattanooga where they raised their family and established a wonderful band of life-long friends.
Sweet, gentle, kind, and gracious – these are the words that come to mind when thinking about Jeanne. For her family and those who knew her well, we will always remember her “Grammy hugs” – those long, deep embraces that left us feeling loved and known. Jeanne served and loved all those around her -- a gracious host and giving friend. She was a wonderful mother to her daughters, and many of their friends who still refer to her as their “second mother”. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren could always count on a bowl (or two) of ice cream topped off with lots of hugs and kisses when they came to Grammy’s.
Jack and Jeanne were devoted members of First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga where Jeanne served in the children’s ministry, women’s ministry, and world mission efforts. Jeanne’s home was always open to visiting missionaries. Loving Jesus and sharing His love with others was Jeanne’s life-long calling and passion. How wonderful that her faith is now her sight!
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Ps. 91:1-2)
We will greatly miss Jeanne, Mom, Grammy, and look forward to seeing her again in the presence of the Lord!
Jeanne is predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Dr. John (“Jack”) T. Evans, her son, John T. Evans, Jr., her grandson, John Evans Lacey, her parents, and her sister, JoAnne Johnson.
Jeanne loved her family deeply and is survived by three generations who adored and cherished her -- her three daughters and their husbands, Gigi and Bo McNinch, Candy and Dave Redd, and Alison and Tripp Johnston; her seven grandchildren and their spouses, Morgan and Sven Eriksen; Landon and Ramsey Wehbe, Katie and Sam McCahill, Ally and Tim Maguire, Barrett and Becca Johnston; Teeny and Sam Pineda, and Anna and Seth Jensen; and her nine great-grandchildren who adored their sweet “Grammy”, Nathan, Cole and Paige Eriksen, Harper and Weezy Pineda, Emmy Johnston, Henley and Everett McCahill, and Christian Wehbe.
Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a graveside burial ceremony for immediate family only on Feb. 16.
Memorial contributions may be made to SIM (noted for “Sports Friends # 99803”), P.O. Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241, or First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga (noted for children’s ministry), 554 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.