Joann Lucinda (Halvorson) Evans

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Joann Evans, passed away peacefully at her home in Montalba, Texas at the age of 92. 

Joann was born on June 10, 1930, in St. Ansgar, Iowa to Elmer and Florence Halvorson.  She grew up in St. Ansgar with her mother, father, brother, and extended family.  Upon graduating from high school, she accepted a Nordic Choir scholarship from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.  While attending, she met her husband of 52 years, Dr. John Evans.  They were married in 1950 at The First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar.  Life took them to Vermillion, South Dakota, Chicago, Illinois, London, England and Houston, Texas where they spent over 40 years and raised three children John, Tim, and Kirsten. 

Joann retired from the Purchasing Department at the University of Houston, where she specialized in the purchase of scientific equipment.  Upon retirement, John and Joann settled in East Texas where they were actively involved in St. Phillip’s church, enjoyed adventures with their grandchildren, and peaceful views of the country.     

Joann was traveled, diverse in her work, church, and community service, rising to the call, and doing the work that needed to be done.   Her generational family established the cornerstone for her life: faith, love, family, and hard work, which she in turn carried forward to the next generations in her children and grandchildren.

Joann is proceeded in death by her mother, Florence Halvorson, father, Elmer Halvorson, husband, Dr. John Evans, and son John Evans.  She is survived by her brother John Halvorson and wife Marilyn of Las Vegas, Nevada, son Timothy Evans and wife Judy, daughter Kirsten Knippers and husband Mike, daughter-in-law Marilyn Evans, granddaughter Miranda Knippers, and grandson Leif Knippers and wife Austin. 

Services will be held at St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church in Palestine, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW) fund. 

Cremation services for Joann Lucinda Evans are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  We invite you to take a moment to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family electronically by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon.

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