Evelyn Louise Ward

Evelyn Louise Ward (née McNair), devoted mother, grandmother, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully at home in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on October 23, 2025, at the age of 82.

Evie was born on October 4, 1943, in Dunedin, Florida, to the late Mary Lou McNair Perry and Norwood McNair. She carried the sunshine and adventurous spirit of her birthplace with her throughout her life.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Lee Ward, and her sisters, Frances Cunningham, Nancy Ruberto, and Patricia Lynn McNair. She also joins her life long friend, Jean Williams, who passed before her.

She is survived by her daughter, Regan Lee Smith; her friend and former son-in-law, John Smith; her cherished grandchildren, Richard Smith and Shannon-Michael Smith; and her sister, Mary Alice Heinz.

Ev's creative talent shone early as an interior designer and owner of her Pinellas County business, "Accent Design".

In 1992, she embraced a new chapter and relocated to Hendersonville, NC. Pursuing her passion for nature, she earned a degree in horticulture from Blue Ridge Community College. This education led to a second 20+ year career in the garden center at Lowe's, where Evelyn was affectionately known as "the Plant Lady." Her dedication extended beyond the store. She assisted in opening several new locations and helped pioneer the popular Annual Garden Jubilee on Main Street.

An adventurer at heart, Evelyn loved chasing thrills, whether white-water rafting through the Royal Gorge in Colorado, challenging the casinos in Biloxi, cheering for Martina Navratilova in Montreal, or landing a marlin in Mazatlán, Mexico.

Evie loved to fish, and she was great at it. Many will fondly remember the Florida Ave. dinners of fried okra, hush puppies, and wily snook, under a canopy of oaks and azaleas.

Evelyn lived her life with energy and a contagious zest. She brought vibrancy and joy to her family and to every garden she touched.

Evie will be deeply missed by her lifelong friends: Jane Waltz, Carol Monnier, and Pat Peterson, and her extended family, the O'Connors.

Ev's Hendersonville friends, also dear to her, include Peggy Cortney, Gail Thomsen, and Doug and Debora Strickland.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in her hometown of Dunedin, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, a cause close to her heart..