Betty Jean (Hall) Evans

Betty Jean Hall Evans, lovingly known as Grandma Betty Jean, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Watha, North Carolina, at the age of 93.

Born on October 15, 1932, in Watha, North Carolina, Betty Jean lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and a faithful member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Her love for the Lord shaped how she lived and how she loved those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm and Louise Hall, and by her siblings, Virginia Ruth King, Dorothy Perseghin, Sylvia Walker, and James Malcolm Hall Jr. (Jimmy).

Betty Jean is survived by her two sons, James Evans (Cindy Evans) and Ralph Evans (Tina Evans); six grandchildren, Blake Evans, Blair Wilkes (Jason Wilkes), Aaron Evans (Ariel Evans), Sydney Harvey (Nick Harvey), Rebecca Teague (Curtis Teague), and Victoria Morales (Boris Morales); and six great-grandchildren, Tegan Evans, Anderson Evans, Jamison Wilkes, Pearl Wilkes, Zayn Harvey, and Elliana Evans, who were among her greatest joys.

She spent most of her life in Pender County, North Carolina, with a few years in Corpus Christi, Texas. Betty Jean graduated from Burgaw High School in 1951 and later attended trade school. While she held various jobs over the years, the majority of her career was spent as an inventory clerk at J.P. Stevens in Wallace, North Carolina.

Betty Jean had a deep love for cooking and caring for others through food. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and connection. She was especially known for her homemade fudge and fruitcakes, which became cherished traditions for family and friends. These recipes were more than desserts; they were expressions of her love, generosity, and joy in serving others.

An exceptional athlete, Betty Jean was also known for her basketball talent in high school, averaging over 30 points per game. She continued playing basketball in various leagues after graduation and enjoyed sports throughout her life. She also played softball, primarily as a pitcher, and was an avid bowler, competing in numerous leagues and traveling across the United States for tournaments. Her highest bowling score was an impressive 297.

Above all, Betty Jean will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, and her deep love for family. She spent her life loving Jesus and her family well, and now she has heard the words she lived for: “Well done.”

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 12:00 PM at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 4682 US Highway 117, Burgaw, North Carolina 28425.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hopewell Presbyterian Church.

Guests are welcome to wear her favorite colors: light pink and Carolina blue.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

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