Rita Ann Belew Evans

Rita Ann Belew Evans was born on 7/15/1952 and was carried into Paradise on 9/15/2022. She graduated from Riverside High School in May 1970 and married Nat (Nathanael) Marshall Evans 9/19/1970.  
 
She is survived by three sons: Randall Marshall Evans (and wife Cammie Maxwell Evans), Brent Gentry Evans (and wife Stephanie Connell Evans), and Adam Nathanael Evans (and wife Magan Hueter Evans).  
 
Seven Grandchildren: Marshall, Arielle, Laney, Elston, Ema, Mary Kate, and Lilly Evans. 
 
Four sisters: Carol Belew, Frankie Lassiter and husband Mike, LaDonna Belew, and Lisa Dyer.  
 
A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family.  
 
She is preceded in death by her parents, Howard Franklin and Wilma Jean Miles Belew, and her father and mother-in-law, James Elston and Ollie Faye Austin Evans.  
 
Rita was a faithful Christian and preacher’s wife for many years. Her last years of worship were with the Hickory Grove Church of Christ in Almo, KY.  Reading Proverbs 31:10-ff describes her well. She had an amazing work ethic. She served as a preacher’s wife along with working various jobs in the following locations:  at Central Church of Christ in Decaturville, TN (1970-71). New Hope Church of Christ in Amory, MS (1971). Worked at a garment factory in Hatley, MS.  Geneva Church of Christ in Geneva, AL (1971-72).  East Lake Church of Christ in Chattanooga, TN (1973). She worked at a Credit Bureau as a secretary. New Providence Church of Christ in Hazel, KY (1974). She worked at Rose’s department store in Murray.  Rose Bank Church of Christ in Nashville, TN (1975-1976). She worked as a secretary at a heavy equipment operation center.  Selina Church of Christ in Selina, TN (1976-1978).  Ironaton Church of Christ in Talladega, AL (1978-1983). She worked at Kmart. Opp Church of Christ in Opp, AL (1983-1984). She worked in Opp also as a secretary.  Walnut Grove Church of Christ in Benton, KY (1984-1992). She worked at Pete Gunn auto dealership as a secretary. She also worked at MTG (Morgan, Trevathan, and Gunn) as an insurance agent for big rig truckers. Gainesville Church of Christ in Gainesville, MO (1992). She worked at a bank in Mountain Home, AR).  Heath Church of Christ in Kevil, KY (1993-1995). She worked as a secretary with the Chamber of Commerce in Paducah, KY. She worked at Sams club, helping open the store in Paducah, KY. Antioch Church of Christ in Ramer, TN (1995-2002). She worked with Walmart in Corinth, MS, and Lowes as a price change coordinator in Corinth, MS. She worked in the business office at FHU Freed Hardeman University with Pell Grant (1996-2004).  She served as an Elder’s wife during their time with the Pocahontas Church of Christ in Pocahontas, TN (2002-2004). Pyburn Street Church of Christ in Pocahontas, AR (2005-2006). She worked as a secretary at Black River Technical College in Pocahontas, AR. East Pointe Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, AL (2006-2013). She worked as a secretary, bookkeeper, and payroll coordinator for Hughes and Mullinex HVAC. Believe it or not, she became a big Alabama football fan during her time in Alabama. Roll Tide! Hickory Grove Church of Christ in Almo, KY (2014-2021). She worked as a secretary for 4 Rivers Realty.  In the majority of those congregations, she put together the bulletin. She taught children’s bible classes for some 50 years. She stood by her husband and stayed faithful to God through all the moves, hardships, struggles, and difficulties. She was like a tree planted by rivers of water that would not be moved.  
 
Rita was extremely generous and kind. Even when there was not much to give, she gave with love. She loved to sing hymns and had a beautiful voice. She was great at sowing, painting, and ceramics, though she spent most of her time shuttling three boys to every band event. She was extremely patient and long-suffering, considering she had to listen to three boys play drums for many, many years. She kept every report card, art project, school picture, band picture, and sports pictures of her children. In addition to participating in karate, Nat and Rita started Benton Karate Center dojo in Benton, KY. She was a second-degree brown belt in Skotokan Bushido. She took pride in keeping her house clean and welcoming. She was an amazing cook. She loved having the family together. She would put on an amazing spread of food. We all loved her “King breakfast,” complete with chocolate gravy. Not to be outdone by her holey chocolate cake, lasagna, chicken casserole, coconut Cake, chicken and dressing, picnic ham, and hot banana pudding. She loved playing games with family. She loved to laugh. When you got the Belew sisters together, they would rant, rave, and laugh hard. We had so many game nights full of fun.  
 
She was diagnosed with diabetes in the 1980s. She was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Remitting Relapsing in 1996. She did not file for disability until 2017. She suffered from progressing dementia over the last few years. She was an amazing sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated preacher’s wife.   
 
She has been a Westwood Rehab and Nursing Home resident since Feb 10th, 2022. A special thanks to all at Westwood for taking such good care of Rita, Nat, and Sugar.  
 
If you would like to make a memorial donation, you may make a check payable to the Memphis School of Preaching in honor of Rita Ann Evans. 3950 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Memphis, TN 38125.