Nancy Jane Brown Evans

1936 - 2025

Nancy Jane Brown Evans

Born: November 14, 1936 | Died: August 5, 2025

Nancy Jane Brown Evans - "Nana"

November 14, 1936 - August 5, 2025

Nancy Jane Brown Evans, a devoted wife, mother, Nana, nurse, and community volunteer, went home to Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on August 5, 2025, in the comfort of her home and surrounded by the loving care of her family.

Born on November 14, 1936, Nancy was the daughter of the late Clarence B. Brown, Sr. and Nannie Williams Brown of Jellico, TN. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Clarence "Sparky" Brown, Jr. and Wade S. Brown, and her sister, Anna Lillian Brown.

Nancy is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Kenneth "Butter" Lee Evans; brother, Robert Lee Brown (Gilda Brown) of Doraville, GA; daughter, Sherry Evans Coffield (Mike Coffield) of Maryville, TN; sons, Kenneth Lee Evans, Jr. (Gina Shinlever Evans) of Louisville, TN, and Mark Wesley Evans of Mount Pleasant, SC. She was the proud grandmother of seven: Jonathan Coffield (Elizabeth Scruggs Coffield) of Maryville, TN; David Coffield (Whitney Bartell Coffield) of Alexandria, VA; Kristin Coffield Rakoczy (Samuel Rakoczy) of Knoxville, TN; Mark Coffield (Andrea Boysun Coffield) of Knoxville, TN; Hayden Kenlee Evans, Hayleigh Grace Evans, and Hannah Faith Evans of Louisville, TN. Her legacy continues through her seven-and growing-great-grandchildren: Mattie Elizabeth Erwin, Evans Taylor Coffield, Cora Jane Rakoczy, Annie James Rakoczy, Lillian Elizabeth Rakoczy, Quinn Eugene Bartell-Coffield, and John Mark Coffield.

Nancy graduated from Jellico High School in 1954 and went on to earn her diploma in nursing from the East Tennessee Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1957. She dedicated 40 years of compassionate service to the patients and families of Knoxville's Baptist Hospital, working in Labor & Delivery, Medical-Surgical Unit 5 West, and the Cardiac Recovery Unit 4B where her compassionate care touched countless lives. Nancy married the love of her life, Kenneth "Butter" Lee Evans, April 25, 1958 at South Knoxville Baptist Church and has portrayed Christ's love through faithful marriage of 67 years.

A devoted and active member of First Baptist Church of Knoxville and Wynn Ware Sunday school class, she gave generously of her time and heart, volunteering in various ministries and always offering a warm smile to those in need. She found great joy in traveling the world with her family, caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and embracing the simple pleasures of life-singing traditional hymns, crossword puzzles, bird watching from her porch, and keeping up her style with regular visits to Amanda Maddox Salon.

Nancy lived a life marked by grace, devotion, and quiet strength. Nancy's legacy of kindness, faith, and family will be cherished forever. Her family and friends will miss her deeply but take comfort knowing she is now at peace and rejoicing in the presence of Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Pat Summitt Foundation, in her memory.

The family will receive friends 12-1 PM, Friday, August 8, 2025 at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN with a service to celebrate Nancy's life at 1 PM. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.