Mary Frances Evans

Mary Frances (Carr) Evans went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 5, 2026. A lifelong resident of Thomas, West Virginia, until September 2019, she later shared the homes of her daughters and most recently resided at the Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center for the last two years while battling dementia.

Born October 17, 1935, in Benbush, West Virginia, Mary Frances was the firstborn child of the late Roy Ernest and Josephine Virginia (Uchic) Carr. She was a 1953 graduate of Thomas High School and answered her calling to serve others by attending St. Agnes Hospital School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland, graduating in 1956. She began her nursing career at St. Agnes Hospital before returning home to care for her family after her father's coal mining accident in December 1957, continuing her nursing work at Tucker County Hospital.

Through God's provision, she met her beloved husband, Jack L. Evans. They were married on August 1, 1959, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Thomas, West Virginia. Jack preceded her in death on August 30, 1997. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion: finding joy in dancing, antiquing, and pouring their love into one another, their three daughters, and five grandchildren.

Mary Frances lived a life of servant leadership, giving herself fully to others through decades of nursing and volunteer service. She worked for Mountain Top Home Health Agency, faithfully attending to patients at all hours and in all conditions, whether by four-wheel drive or, on one occasion, by snowmobile. In her later years, she served as a shift supervisor at Cortland Acres Nursing Home, where she mentored and trained young nurses and CNAs. Even after stepping back from full-time work, she continued to volunteer at Cortland Acres, offering comfort, care, and compassion to residents.

A dedicated parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Mary Frances generously volunteered for many years, assisting the priest with the preparation of Mass, sewing and mending linens, serving as a member of the Society of St. Thomas Women, and always offering her time and talents wherever help was needed.

Outside of her work and volunteer service, Mary Frances found great joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. Always proud of her Polish heritage, she especially loved to dance the polka. She was a gifted knitter who lovingly made Christmas stockings for family and friends (83 in total), each one a tangible expression of her love. She also enjoyed walking, working on jigsaw and word search puzzles, caring for the wild birds, and seasonal canning. But ultimately, Mary Frances was happiest when her family was gathered in her home, preparing meals that brought people together, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Mary Frances is survived by her three daughters: Allyson Elizabeth Evans-Hott and her husband, Greg; Meredith Baker and her husband, Stephen; and Courtney Shafer and her husband, Francis. She was a devoted and loving "MawMaw" to her grandchildren: Natalie Alicia (Hott) Bava and her husband, Andrew "Jake"; Stephen Benjamin "Ben" Baker and his wife, Georgia; Evan Jacob Hott and his wife, Madeline; Madison Elizabeth Baker Hudgins and her husband, Jasper; and Kendall Marie Shafer. She was also a cherished MawMaw to her great-grandchildren: Henley Grace Bava, Ella Kate Bava, Billie Elizabeth Baker, Sadie Marie Hott, Nash Michael Bava, Lewis Stephen Baker, Steele Woodrow Hott, and Baker James Hudgins.

Mary Frances is also survived by her siblings: Barbara June (Carr) Hilliard; Patrick Allen Carr; Patricia Ann (Carr) Bass; and Pauline Alice (Carr) Lee and her husband, David. She is further survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack L. Evans, and her siblings Joann Louise Evans, William Joseph Carr, and Harold Lawrence Carr.

Mary Frances will be remembered for her faith, humility, and unwavering devotion to caring for others. She was the living example of Ephesians 6:1-3 and Proverbs 31:10-31: living a life of selflessness, compassion, and faithful service. Mary Frances leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or to Alzheimer's Association at P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with the Rosary prayed at 6:30 PM, at Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes, 567 Thomas Avenue, Davis, WV. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 13, 20226, at 11:00 AM in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 316 Brown St., Thomas, WV. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 2nd St. & Quail Ridge Rd.

The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the Mary Frances' family.