Sally Lawana Evans

Sally Lawana Seagroves Evans, born in Asheboro, NC, January 14, 1939, died August 6, 2025 at the age of 86. At her death, she was surrounded by her family and devoted care providers.

Lawana was preceded in death by her husband, Col. Robert A. Evans, her parents Edward Onco Seagroves Sr. and Thelma Matthews Seagroves; her older sister Martha Ann Seagroves Farrell. Lawana is survived by her brother, Ed Seagroves, Jr. and wife Jan, and sister Brenda Seagroves McGuire. It needs to be stated, Bob was indeed, the love of her life.

Lawana is survived by the following nieces and nephews: Candy Farrell; Robb Farrell and wife Becky, and children Payton and Chandler Farrell and Jordan Justice; Michelle S. King and husband Steve; Edward Seagroves III and wife Leesa, children Samantha, Edward IV and Zeb Seagroves; Bryan McGuire, Sally Myers and husband Andrew, children Noey and Jack Myers; Grant Dupree and wife April, and son Caleb Dupree.

Lawana graduated from Apex High School, 1957. She continued her education and graduated from Mars Hill College 1959 and Wake Forest University 1961. She retired from teaching at Kellam High School, Virginia Beach, Virginia school system after 30 years of service teaching high school World History and related subjects.

Lawana played basketball and cheered at Apex High School like her older sister. Lawana worked often in her mother's clothing store, Thelma's, during high school and on her return from college. Lawana often stated she had rather work at her father's ESSO Service Station. The service station was the source of all that was going on in the community, but her younger brother had that job.

Lawana represented the North Carolina Lions Club on their float at the National Convention in Florida. After college, Lawana took a trip to Europe including France, Italy, and Switzerland which she did on her own. Lawana's love of travel continued throughout her marriage to Bob.

Lawana loved driving her first car which was a 1964 Austin Healey Mark III, 3000. It was unique for a young lady to order a European sports car. The dealer had to be persuaded to order the car. When her younger sister would visit with a girlfriend at Virginia Beach, Lawana would allow the younger sister to drive the car - reluctantly. The Healey is still in the family. Lawana, long before Bob came onto the stage, decided to buy her lot in Sandbridge. She was so proud of her decision. They built their current home on that lot.

Lawana and Bob enjoyed spending time in Rangeley Maine snowmobiling, snow shoeing, as well as summers canoeing, fishing and entertaining family and friends. In Sandbridge, time was spent entertaining friends, marathon score keeper for bridge games, attending events at the Military Aviation Museum, going to Halloween costume parties, hosting book club, bible study sessions and supper club. They were blessed with a number of friends in both locations.

We cannot have a conversation about Lawana without discussing her constant companion, her little Yorkie, Bridget. Bridget was initially a present from Lawana to Bob during his transition. Bridget then became Lawana's best friend. Bridget was with Lawana 24/7 - always. Also, Lawana had two other constant companions, her in-home care providers. Lawana could not continue to live independently in her home without these two ladies. Stephan Byrd and Nickie Thorpe made it possible for Lawana to remain in her home with Bridget. They worked with Lawana from sunup to sundown- 24/7 to make sure her needs were met. To stay in her home was Lawana's wish.

As Lawana began her transition, Trinity Hospice was selected to manage this process with compassion and professionalism. Lawana was cared for by Kalene Payne-Hedrich. Kalene worked with Stephan and Nickie ensuring Lawana did not lack anything. Lawana's family is indebted to Trinity Hospice, Kalene, other members of the team and to Stephan and Nickie for her loving and peaceful transitional care.

We all know Lawana as a loyal friend to the family and her circles of friends in Maine and Sandbridge. She felt truly blessed to call all of us family and a friend. Lawana's flair for style and elegance was stunning. Her quick wit was to be reckoned with. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Sandbridge Community Chapel United Methodist Church, 3041 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456, or the Military Aviation Museum, 1342 Princess Ann Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23457. The arrangements are Visitation August 13, 2025 at Sandbridge Community UMC at 1-2 pm and service at 2pm. Internment will be at a later date when Lawana joins Bob at Arlington National Cemetery. Funeral Arrangements are being provided by H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Inc. www.hdoliver.com