Marie Isabelle White Evans

Marie Isabelle White Evans, of Davidson County, N.C., passed away peacefully in Arcadia at the age of 96, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1929, Isabelle was the daughter of Paul Land White and Gertrude Kelly White. She grew up on the Lynnhaven River, enjoying a childhood filled with boating, family gatherings, oyster roasts and the outdoors. A graduate of Oceana High School, she later attended the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary. Afterwards, she worked at the Commonwealth Building and Loan in Norfolk.

While living in Norfolk, she met Navy Lt. Paul Franklin Evans, Jr., whom she married in 1955. They eventually settled in his hometown of Davidson County, N.C., where they raised their family and spent many happy years together.

Isabelle was a gifted textile artist and seamstress, with her work featured in craft shows and shops across North Carolina, including The Christmas Shop in Manteo. In the 1980s, she co-owned The Gold Pelican, an antique and collectibles store in Nags Head, with Paul and daughter Marie.

She loved entertaining at their home, “Oakdale,” where she was known for her warmth, stylish plate settings and flower arrangements. With Paul’s culinary skills, they enjoyed serving guests everything from beef Wellington and shrimp Creole—to tomato sandwiches with fruit fresh from the garden.

Isabelle was predeceased by her brothers, Paul Kelly White and William C. White, and sons-in-law Theodore “Pete” Peterson and Barry Custer. She is survived by her husband, Paul Evans; daughters Cynthia Evans, Marie Evans, and Elizabeth Evans; son-in-law Jonathan Glass; and grandchildren Isabel, Stella, and Skye. She also is lovingly remembered by extended family and dear friends.

A celebration of Isabelle’s life will be held this fall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Davidson County and to Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Lexington, N.C.