Evelyn Jeanette Jones Whitehead, 90, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, October 17, 2026, surrounded by her family. Evelyn was born May 9, 1936, in Coffee County, AL to Henry Hubert Jones and Effie Mae Anderson Jones.
She spent her early years in Alabama and moved to Columbus, GA when she was 5 years old. Evelyn graduated from Baker High School in 1956. The next day she married the love of her life, Thomas Eugene “Gene” Whitehead. They shared a beautiful life for 67 years until Gene’s passing in 2024.
As a Navy wife, she moved her family to wherever the next duty station was located. Evelyn was blessed to be a homemaker, always being there for her children and husband. She happily supported them in whatever adventures and misadventures came their way. At an early age, Evelyn accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a shining example to her family and friends, reflecting God’s love in her life and sharing with others. Evelyn loved fiercely, fought hard, and was stubborn as a mule. This was a trait we all loved and hated at the same time. While we miss her, we celebrate her life and rejoice knowing she is in her eternal home.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Thomas Eugene “Gene” Whitehead, Son Thomas “Tommy” Eugene Whitehead, Jr., her parents, Henry Hubert and Effie Mae Jones, her brothers J. Lamar “Red” Jones, Rex O. Jones, Ralph “Pete” Steven Jones and her sister Windes Hazel Livingston.
Those left to remember Evelyn are her daughter Pamela Whitehead Ellis (Kenn), Grandson, Timothy Russell “Rusty” Watson (Tiffany), Great Grandchildren, Madison Leah Suddeth (Brayton), Hayley Nichole Wilson (Levi), Braydon Russell Watson (Kamorie Purdue) and Harper Grace Watson, her Great-Great Grandchildren, Colten Lee Suddeth and Avery Alayne Suddeth, Sister Betty Joyce Middleton, Sister-in-law Kathy Jones, and her Mother-in-law, Nell Whitehead as well as other extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank her Columbus Hospice nurse, Lauren Zecker, and other caregivers for the wonderful care they provided Evelyn during her final weeks on earth. We would also like to thank her friend Rachel Taylor for the joy she brought Evelyn with every visit and phone call.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA with Reverend Robb Goodman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A burial will follow in Parkhill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to:
Summerville Baptist Church, 3500 Summerville Rd, Phenix City, AL 36867
University Avenue Assembly of God, 3314 University Ave, Columbus, GA 31907
Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909
