Edna Thorne Evans, 92, of Wilson, North Carolina, passed away on November 2, 2026. Born June 5, 1934, in Wilson Co., North Carolina, Edna lived a life marked by steady work, quiet strength, and a warmth that made people feel instantly at home.
Her family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, November 11th, from 6pm until 8pm, at Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home, 2704 Nash St NW, Wilson, NC.
Edna will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, after a private memorial service at a later date.
Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph Evans; her father, Ralph Thorne; her mother, Thelma Boykin; her stepfather, Robert Ambrose Boykin, Sr.; her brother, Robert “Bobby” Ambrose Boykin, Jr.; and her daughter, Connie Evans Coley.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer “Christy” Evans White; grandchildren Jamie Harrison, Alexcia “Jenny” Evans (Jonny), and Jarren White; great-grandchildren Taylor Harrison, Khloe Carter, Camden Pierce, Kylen Pierce, and Carson Pierce; her stepson, Joseph Rudolph Evans; her sister, Betsy Davis; her nephew, Bryan Davis; family friend, Pam Fragoso (Leno); and a host of extended family, friends, and others who loved her.
A proud member of the Charles L. Coon High School Class of 1952, Edna carried forward the kind of practical wisdom and thoughtfulness that showed up most clearly in how she cared for others—never making a show of it, just doing what needed to be done, again and again, with a gentle heart.
Edna began her working years at Winn-Dixie and later retired from Electric Supply Co. Even in retirement, she wasn’t one to sit still for long, working part time at Avante after she retired—proof that her loyalty and work ethic weren’t phases of life, but simply who she was.
A faithful member of Westmoreland Pentecostal Holiness Church, Edna’s kindness was the kind that didn’t require an announcement. It was present in the way she listened, the way she showed up, and the way she made room for people—often with a well-timed bit of humor that could lighten a moment without ever taking away its meaning.
More than anything, Edna loved spending time with her family and friends. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, and her kitchen was one of her favorite ways to do it. Everyone loved her Hershey Bar cakes and chicken salad—foods that somehow tasted like comfort, laughter, and being welcomed exactly as you were.
The people closest to her knew her as "Granny", and when they asked how she was doing, she always responded "I'm hangin' ten!"
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Gentiva Hospice-Wilson, 2841 Daisy Ln N Suite E, Wilson, NC 27896.
