John W. Evans

On Tuesday, June 23, 2009, our hearts were saddened by the passing of our loved one, John Wesley Evans, affectionately known as "Bo Duke," who entered eternal rest and peace at John Randolph Medical Center, Hopewell.

A native of Surry, he was born Nov. 11, 1939, to the late Ernest Saunders and was preceded in death by two brothers, James Evans and Ernest Saunders Jr. "Bo Duke" was a retired employee of Smurfit-Stone Inc. with over 34 years of service and continued working with the Bogese family. He loved fishing, hunting and baseball, and was a longtime faithful member of the Green Top Hunting Club and Prince George Blue Sox.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Mrs. Hannah Mae Evans of Disputanta; his loving mother, Mrs. Agnes Ellis of Williamsburg; five daughters, Brenda Hawkins (Chris), Carolyn Joseph, Robin Evans and Kim Evans, all of Prince George, and Gail Greene (Neil) of Hopewell; four brothers, Alex Ellis (Edith) of Disputanta, Howard Ellis (Gloria) of Surry, Willie Ellis (Shirley) of Petersburg and Richard Ellis (Karen) of Charles City; five sisters, Ruby Peterson of Hopewell, Mary Shaw of Williamsburg, Lisha and Evelyn Saunders of Spring Grove, and Shirley Saunders of Chesterfield; three brothers-in-law, John Allen Sr. (Shirley) and Melvin Allen (Mary), both of Hopewell, and George Allen of Waverly; four sisters-in-law, Ruth Jones (Oscar) of Waverly, Ruby Jones (Barbry), Anna Williams (James), Barbara Williams and Evelyn Taylor (Joseph), all of Prince George; six grandchildren, Shannel and Andre Evans, Jessica Lee, Diamond Tyler, and Latasha and Crystal Hawkins; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends, among the friends, Leroy Thomas, Leroy Blanding, Rayfield Squire and John Maple.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2009, at Mount Hope Baptist Church, Prince George, with the Rev. A. Carl Prince, pastor. The interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will assemble at noon at the residence, 15201 Cheiftan Road, Disputanta.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Turner-Bland Funeral Home, Hopewell, the Rev. William N. Bland Jr., funeral director. Please visit our Web site at www.blandenterprisesinc.com.