Evelyn Marie Handwork

Evelyn Marie Handwork passed away on December 22, 2024, at Southern Charm Senior Living in Benton, Arkansas. She was born in Southside (Batesville), Arkansas, on March 31, 1938, to Oscar Virgil Lawrence and Elsie Glendora (Pierce) Lawrence.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Dan Handwork, of over 61 years of Alexander, Arkansas; her only son, Kenny Joe Handwork (Suzette) of Benton, Arkansas; and two grandchildren, Dalton Joe Handwork of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Macy Leigh Handwork of Benton, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Virgil Lawrence and Elsie Glendora (Pierce) Lawrence, and one sister, Mildred Lawrence Collom, all of Southside (Batesville), Arkansas.

She also leaves behind many friends who were dear to her and who will miss her dearly.

Marie graduated from Southside High School in Southside (Batesville), Arkansas, in 1954 at the age of 16. (She was able to skip two grades.) Shortly thereafter, she moved to Little Rock and became a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell, where she worked for 13 years until her son was born. She was a devoted wife who chose to be a homemaker and a stay-at-home mother. She gladly cared for the home in every aspect, putting her family ahead of herself in everything she did.

She was a member of Cornerstone Church Of The Nazarene. She loved her Lord most of all and was a behind-the-scenes Intercessor (Prayer Warrior), daily lifting others and their needs before the Lord. She loved her church and her church family.

In her spare time while living at home, she loved to garden and work on her crypto quotes and was an avid Bible reader. She enjoyed fishing with her husband until she could no longer do so. When she was no longer able to care for her family, her husband began to be her caregiver and lovingly took care of her for several years until she was no longer able to stay at home due to health reasons. She eventually moved to Southern Charm Senior Living until she was called home. She filled many roles within her life. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend to all. She was loved and will be missed until we meet again.

The family would like to thank Hospice Home Care for its devoted care and compassion, as well as Southern Charm Senior Living and their caregivers for their love and care.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverand Brady Lane officiating. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m. with the graveside service following at 1:00 p.m.