Thérèse Ann Evans (January 21, 1939 - May 28, 2024) of Otto, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by family in Gainesville, GA, after suffering a stroke. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, John Dell Evans, Jr, as well as their daughter Allison Webb (husband David) and son John Dell Evans III (wife Lindsey). Also surviving are Terry's sister-in-law Ann Porcella, and her brother- and sister-in-law Randy and Debbie Evans. She adored her grandchildren, Ceci, Carlee, Catie Webb, and Jack and Carter Evans. She will be missed by many cousins, nephews, nieces, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her brother Bob Porcella and his wife Yvonne Porcella, her brother Don Porcella, and her brother- and sister-in-law Shelton and Marcia Evans.

Terry, the youngest child of Mary Eileen and Stephen Louis Porcella, was born and raised in Modesto, California. She studied Biology at Holy Names College, graduating in 1961, and earned a Master of Science in Biology from Michigan State University in 1970.

After teaching in San Francisco for several years, she accepted a position in Tifton, Georgia, during the transition from segregated to integrated schools. She advocated for fairness and peace in the process. She principally taught biology at Tift County High School, where she was twice named Star Teacher. Later she studied library science and became a media specialist, establishing the first media center at her school.

From her childhood experiences in the Sierra Nevada, Terry loved camping and spent most vacations with her family at Standing Indian Campground near Franklin, North Carolina. In her retirement, she and her husband bought a home on the side of a mountain in Otto, NC, where she tended her lush and beautiful garden. She became a Master Gardener and was treasurer of the organization. She was also an active member of the Otto Garden Club, creating beautiful wreaths that were displayed on the Otto Post Office wall. Over the years, she collected a wide variety of daylilies and other beautiful flowers and plants. She passed her love of gardening on to her grandchildren, who now plant and maintain her garden.

Terry was also an award-winning artist and an active member of the Macon County Art Association. Over the years, she learned a wide variety of crafts and arts. She painted in acrylics and watercolor, and after spinal surgery limited her use of her right hand, she learned to create paintings using alcohol inks. Her paintings have been displayed in the Uptown Gallery, Franklin Fitness Center, and Macon County Public Library.

Terry Evans was irrepressible, resilient, and courageous. She persisted in spite of many health obstacles and always found the way to continue creating and finding beauty in the world. Her smile, ready laugh, friendship, and company will be missed by everyone whose lives she touched. A memorial service will be announced by the family in the coming days.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.