Evelle Gibbs Dana

Evelle was born in Lyons, Georgia on February 13, 1947. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur Gibbs and Marie Gibbs of Lyons, and is survived by her sons John (Erica) (Birmingham, AL), Greg (Heather) (Birmingham, AL) and Brent (Harriet) (Charleston, SC) along with her grandkids Sadie, Britton, Alex, Piper and Claire and her sister, Mary Williams (Lyons, GA).

Evelle attended and graduated from Lyons High School in 1965 where she was the valedictorian of her class, a cheerleader for the football team, and a star basketball player. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 1969 with a degree in education and later a master’s in education. After several years of teaching, including some as a special education teacher, she became a mom and devoted her life to raising the apples of her eye - her sons (John, Greg and Brent). Evelle spent almost the rest of her life in Lafayette, Georgia and was involved in clubs and groups of any shape and fashion, mostly those dedicated to helping others. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama in 2019 to be closer to her sons, daughters-in-law and grandkids.

Known to all who were lucky to eat her food, Evelle was both a tremendous baker and cook, a rare feat in the amateur culinary world. Her handmade sugar cookies, cakes, yeast rolls (usually done without the help of a recipe), and Christmas plates were the stuff of legend. A devout Christian throughout her life, the Church and her faith in Jesus were always important parts of her life. Evelle served as the Director of Ministries, head of Vacation Bible School, and in multiple other capacities for the First United Methodist over many years, never refusing a request to help the Church or anyone in need. A lover of music but particularly gospel music she learned growing up, Evelle played the piano and organ for the church and sang in the choir when not playing. Even towards the end of her life, you could hear her singing and humming songs from the church hymnal. Always looking to serve and help others, one of Evelle’s most important achievements was creating Stuff and Such, a non-profit store that served the citizens of Walker County and beyond, providing used clothes and other items at reduced prices.

A special thanks to the women of Lafayette, Georgia, affectionately known as the Lunch Bunch, who supported and loved Mom for all of her years and through all the ups and downs. Each of you is near and dear to Mom’s heart, and she talked about you and your friendships often, including how important each of you was to her and the fact the bridge sessions often did not include much bridge, just laughing and having fun.

A celebration of life will be scheduled for Evelle in Lafayette, Georgia in the coming weeks to celebrate a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the Alzheimer’s association (https://www.alz.org/al) or The First United Methodist Church of Lafayette (https://www.lafayettefumc.org/).