Obituary of Mary Jo Elizabeth Evans

Mary Jo Elizabeth Evans (Jo) of Paris, Texas left her earthly home for an eternity in heaven with her Lord on October 8, 2022, peacefully in her sleep in Simi Valley, California. She was 84 years old.  

Jo was born on August 11, 1938, to Earl Jackson and Elizabeth Mary (Hann) Futrell in Jackson Michigan. In her youth, she excelled at basketball and playing the piano. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1956. After High School, she worked various jobs, mainly clerical positions throughout her life. In her later years before retirement, she worked at the First Baptist Church of Paris’ Mother’s Day Out childcare program, where she cared for numerous children in the community.    Her real passion, however was being a mother to her children.  She mastered the roles of mother, grandmother and great grandmother and was adored by all.  She was the model of unconditional love.

Jo was a committed Christian who love the Lord with all her heart. She was an avid church goer. In recent years she attended Leesville Baptist Church in Bagwell, Texas. 

Jo lived in Michigan, Texas Colorado and California. Her hobbies included gardening, canning, crocheting and sewing. Her lifelong interest was photography.  She always had a camera in her hand, and never missed an opportunity to take a photo of landscapes, her family, or those she loved.  She had the gift of hospitality. She graciously welcomed family and friends, or others less fortunate into her home for a visit, meal or a place to stay.  She was a champion of those with less and her generosity and kind heart touched so many.

She is preceded in death by her parents Earl Jackson and Elizabeth Mary (Hann) Futrell of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; daughter, Wendy Killian of Paris, Texas; son in law, Kenneth Bedford, also of Paris Texas; and a nephew, Charles Jackson Futrell of White Lake, Michigan.

She will be deeply missed on earth by those who loved her. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, David Evans of Paris Texas; son, Richard Nicholls of Lowell, Massachusetts; daughter, Cheri Bedford of Paris, Texas; son, Christopher Evans of Jackson, Michigan; son, Chad Evans and wife Tabetha of Blossom, Texas; son, Jason Evans and wife Erin of Frisco, Texas; son, Corey Evans and wife Debra of Simi Valley, California; 18 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.  A celebration of her life is scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Church 3100 Clarksville St, Paris Texas with Reverend Jimmy Ellis officiating. Family will receive 30 minutes prior to the service.  

John 11: 25-26: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”