Della Mae Evans' Obituary
Della Mae (Powell) Evans. On February 6, 2017. Della had a lifelong and varied career as a Registered Nurse, working both in direct patient care and in supervision/administration. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ada Powell; and brothers, John and Herman Farmer.
Born in Fisher, LA, in 1925, Della was orphaned as a small child, and was raised by a number of loving relatives in Louisiana and Texas. She entered Nursing School at the old Shreveport, LA, Charity Hospital and completed her training while serving in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.
She married James E. Evans of Missouri in 1947 and became a member of the Evans United Shows carnival family. While her Louisiana/Texas family knew her as “Della Mae” or “Mary Dell,” she was known as “Aunt Dale” by her six Evans nieces/nephews. Della and Jim, and (later) their sons were “on the road” Summers, but when Fall came, Della was back in a hospital, nursing. In the mid-1960’s, Della and Jim bought a drive-in restaurant in Plattsburg, MO, which they operated up into the mid-70’s—but Della continued nursing off and on during the slow times.
Della and Jim had four sons, Tim, Steve, Jeffrey (who died as an infant), and Keith. Jim died in 1980. Her sons are better people, having seen this strong, loving woman’s life as a model. Della lived in the Houston, TX, area since the late 70’s, and continued her nursing career until she retired in 1990. In retirement, Della enjoyed her grandchildren, Jacki, Paul, and Brittany, her daughters-in-law, Kathy and Carol, Keith’s partner Cynthia Barton, other members of her extended families, and her many friends—especially the new ones she made in the last few years. And, fortunately, she lived long enough to meet and love her great granddaughter, Kenna Jane.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in memorial for Della P. Evans. On line donations at http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/. Postal mail to 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607.
A funeral service for Della will be held Monday, February 20, 2017 at 11:00 am at Shepherd of the Heart United Methodist Church, County Rd. 59, Pearland, Texas 77584 with Pastor Christie Conway officiating. Interment will take place Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 11:00 am at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport, LA 71109.
What’s your fondest memory of Della?
What’s a lesson you learned from Della?
Share a story where Della's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Della you’ll never forget.
How did Della make you smile?