Ellen S. Evans
Kingstree

Ellen Swails Evans 87, of Kingstree, SC, wife of John W. Evans, Jr. (Johnny) passed away on December 22, 2013 at her home.
     Ellen was born in Kingstree on December 6th, 1926, daughter of Lawrence F. Swails, Sr. and Carrie Lancaster Swails.  She attended Converse and Winthrop Colleges before marrying Johnny on November 24th, 1948.  They lived at the Old Citadel in Charleston while Johnny was teaching at the Citadel.  They later lived in Georgetown, North Charleston, and Sullivan’s Island, before moving back to Kingstree in 2001.
     Ellen never met a stranger and truly knew and practiced the art of unconditional love.  In addition to being a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Ellen loved to be with and know well all the friends of her two sons, her daughter-in-law, and her grandchildren.  They all were touched by Grammy in a special way.
     Ellen would be most proud of her work with young people and the church.  She served as PTA president at Oak Terrace Elementary in North Charleston and Co-Director (with Johnny) at the Christian Development Camp near Pinewood, SC.  She was a Deacon and an Elder at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan’s Island, and served for many years as the “unofficial church welcoming committee” to all who came to visit.  To this day, current and former church members comment on her habit of making everyone feel at home at Sunrise.
     She is survived by her husband, Johnny; her son, Jack (Evie); their children Drew (Kelly), Emily, and Forrest, all of Mt. Pleasant; son, Frank, of Columbia; and grandson, Kell Evans, of Winnsboro.  Other survivors include her brother, Dr. Lawrence F. Swails, Jr. (Mary Louise) of Oviedo, FL; their children Larry and Ed, of John’s Island, and Susan McGee, also of Oviedo, FL; her lifelong “like an older brother” friend, Junie Swittenberg; and her goddaughter, Lucie Swittenberg Smunk, both of Kingstree.
     The family extends a special thanks to Burrie C. Fleming and Thomasena McCullough, who unselfishly helped Ellen and Johnny on a daily basis with any and all their needs. Also, to the wonderful nurses and caregivers of Hospice Care of SC who made the best out of a most difficult time.
     Family and friends are invited to attend her visitation at the Willamsburg Funeral Home at 1pm, December 23rd immediately followed by the 2pm funeral at the same location.  Burial will at the Williamsburg Cemetery after the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Williamsburg Presbyterian Grace Hall Building Fund, 411 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 or to the charity of your choice.
 

Online condolences may be sent to the family here: wmsbgfuneral@ftc-i.net