Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Harriett Evans, 65, loses cancer fight

Mrs. Evans, who married into the wealthy and powerful citrus family, struggled about a year with pancreatic cancer.

By MOLLY MOORHEAD
Published July 12, 2006

DADE CITY - Harriett Evans' five grandchildren affectionately called her "Sweet Beautiful."

Her friends have been wearing bracelets inscribed with those words since Monday (July 10, 2006), when Mrs. Evans, who married into the wealthy and powerful Pasco citrus family, died of pancreatic cancer at age 65.

"She celebrated every minute of life," longtime friend Joy Hobby said Tuesday. "That was her determination. Nothing was going to interfere with her living every minute, and she did it elegantly."

Mrs. Evans was born in Tampa but grew up in Dade City. She was voted cutest in her class at Pasco High School, Hobby said.

She married James Emmett Evans Jr., known as Jimmy, and was a stockholder in the Evans family business. Mrs. Evans was never involved in day-to-day operations. Instead, she focused on the fun and joys of living.

Gardening and grandchildren were her passions, her son James Emmett Evans III said.

And the Georgia Bulldogs.

"She was just about as serious about it as she could be," Hobby said.

She loved coordinating outfits with her friends for parties and making photo scrapbooks for her family. She still kept in touch with her Chi Omega sorority sisters from the University of Georgia.

"Harriett was so full of life, and she taught us all how to live and enjoy life and have fun," said friend and Pasco School Board member Jean Larkin Weightman. "Now, she's taught us to be brave and how to fight. And how to face death."

Mrs. Evans learned she had cancer about a year ago. But little about her changed.

"She should be a role model for the dignity and the strength she carried during this fight," her son said.

In addition to her son, Mrs. Evans is survived by her husband, Jimmy, daughters Reppard Evans Weaver and Harriett Burdick Evans Gaddy, and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Memorials in her name may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667.

Staff writer Mary Spicuzza contributed to this report.

[Last modified July 11, 2006, 23:53:27]