Mrs. Shirlee Willis Evans, age 81, of Blairsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 22, 2016 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Evans was born on Feb. 15, 1935 in Blue Ridge, Ga., the daughter of the late Henry Homer “Hoke” Willis and the late Ruby Harper Willis. Shirlee was a lover of music and played the organ at several churches over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jane Neese. Mrs. Evans was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Evans are one son and daughter-in-law, Walter Evans and Suzanne Jacobs of Durham County, N.C., one daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Paul Greenberg of Chappaqua, N.Y., one sister, Brenda Cagle of Columbus, N.C., three grandchildren—Jackson and Ben Greenberg and Skye Evans—along with many other relatives and friends.

A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, the family requests donations may be made to the Union County Nursing Home Activities Department in memory of Mrs. Evans. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.