Lelah Hayes Evans, 80, of Norris, died Monday in her home.

The daughter of Thomas A. and Elva Delight Shankland Hayes, she was born Aug. 30, 1914, in Alpena, SD.

Mrs. Evans sometimes joked about the beginning of her musical career. While attending high school, she played piano for silent movies in the Alpena movie theater.

After attending Eastern State Teachers College in Madison, SD, Mrs. Evans taught for three years. Her teaching career ended in 1938 when she married Paul L. Evans, also of Alpena. According to her contract, Mrs. Evans had to resign if she got married.

The Evans family moved to Norris in 1951.

Mrs. Evans was a member of Norris Religious Fellowship for 42 years and church pianist/organist for 25 years. She also was a member of the Tennessee Valley Choral Society. Some may remember her jazz-piano artistry for Norris Little Theater productions.

Mrs. Evans taught piano lessons in her home for a number of years, until she became a grandmother. Then, she taught only her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by son, Lance D. Evans, in 1973, and by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Paul L. Evans of Norris; a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas J. and Helen Jane Evans of Hixson; twin daughters, Marcia Lee Slagle of Oak Ridge and Mary E. Shelton of Norris; daughter-in-law, Ellen Bean of Norris; a brother and sister-in-law, Irwin and Dorothy Hayes of Highmore, SD; sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Leroy McGirr of Wessington, SD; and grandchildren, Matthew, Thomas and Sara Evans, of Hixson, Karen Bean, Glenn and Ryan and Lainey Shelton of Knoxville.

A memorial service is planned for a later date in Norris Religious Fellowship. Memorial gifts may be made to the fellowship or to a favorite charity.

Martin Clinton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Source:
Clinton Courier News
28 Sept 1994