Clara H Evans

EVANS, CLARA LUCILLE HORNE, 94, residing in Tampa, born Aug 31, 1929, passed peacefully at home with family on Feb 19, 2024, mere months after learning she had cancer. Now in the hands of her Lord, she was predeceased by her husband of 63 years Seldon Spencer Evans (2018); son Spencer Evans (2015); parents James Ransom Horne & Eva Atha Sims Horne; siblings Harold, Bernice (Tompkins), Vera (Robles) and Alvin Horne; nephews Ronnie Horne, Wayne Horne, Lane Tompkins, Evan Tompkins, Kim Robles; and nieces Mina Humphreys, Sandra and Kimberly.

Survivors include daughters Vickie Evans (Vivienne), Melissa Grossman (Greg), daughter-in-law Lora Evans; grandchildren Daniel, Matthew, Rebekah, Caleb, Amanda, Mariah, Billy and Patty; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews Kevin Robles, Karen (Robles) Anderson, Bruce Horne, Lyn (Horne) Redwood, MaryAnn Tompkins, Rollin Tompkins, Martha Sanders, Libby Glover and other extended family.

Asheville, NC, was her birth city, but at an early age the family moved to Tampa. After the death of her mama Eva, she graduated Hillsborough High School then moved to New York City for several years living with sister Bernice and brother-in-law Clarence. Upon returning to Tampa, she was employed by Tampa Electric Company, where she met Seldon, and they were married in 1954.

A member of Trinity Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, she was in the choir for decades, taught in the weekday kindergarten, and raised her children in the church. Her fond memories of family fun-times included summer beach vacations on the Gulf of Mexico; camping adventures in the Colorado Rockies and Smoky Mountains; summertime pleasure at the NC homestead with Tompkins family; and enjoying with the Robles family those delicious Sunday meals and homemade ice cream with the young cousins water skiing and inner-tubing on Lake Magdalene. Over the years, she guided several relatives, who lived with her immediate adult family at various times, teaching them about manners, dating, the importance of reading and other significant issues as they found their paths in life.

Brain surgery in 1986 removed an acoustic neuroma tumor from next to her brain stem and took her hearing from one ear, and she sadly lost her sight 5 years ago to glaucoma, but through it all she stood strong with her faith in God’s plan.

A caring wife and mother, she had strong integrity and unbounded compassion and would always put others before herself. She spent countless hours tending to the many needs of aging family members and provided personal assistance and comfort in their final years. A member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for 70 years, she served the community in various fundraising activities most recently with chapter Phi Beta Lambda. She and Seldon spent numerous, easygoing weekends with her sorority sisters and their spouses, who were lifelong friends, with games and laughs at get-togethers on Anna Maria Island. In later years, she loved spending time with Seldon at home, working on various projects and watching classic movies.

Clara was delighted in her final months to enjoy reminiscing and laughing together with family and friends who reached out. Having deeply loved her cat Stella and the many other pets she has shared her homes with, her heart forever ached for those animals without a caring person and out on their own, especially in inclement weather. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her!

Thank you to Griswold Home Care and Visiting Angels Tampa whose teams provided kindhearted companions who long assisted her with gentle and compassionate daily care. Appreciations also to personnel at Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough and their nurses Grace, Lauren and Ellisa who rendered abundant concern and comfort.

Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa, Florida, is Clara’s resting place, alongside Seldon, the love of her life. A private funeral will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in her name, and have the donation acknowledgment sent to [email protected], to either Humane Society of Tampa Bay or Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough County.