Ethel M. Evans, 91, of Rhodes Point, Smith Island, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, July 2, 2023 from Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home in Crisfield.

Affectionately known as "Ma Ethel", she was born on Rhodes Point November 27, 1931 and was a daughter of the late Edgar and Lula Pearson Bradshaw.  Her husband, John Filmore "John Reed" Evans, preceded her in death on December 20, 2013.

She was a cook at the MAC Center on Smith Island and was a faithful member of Calvary United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist Women.

Her greatest hobby was taking care of her husband and family. Cooking for family and friends always brought her great joy. Everyone knew that a homemade dessert would welcome them on a Sunday afternoon. She took great pride in making sure her house felt like a warm cozy home where she graciously welcomed and made lifelong friends with all who entered. Ethel also enjoyed reading, so much so that the Ewell Library would have to order boxes of books from other libraries in the area to keep her in constant supply.

Ethel loved and cherished her family and she never let them leave her sight without telling them how much she loved them.

She is survived by two children, Helen Evans and husband Gillespie Evans, Jr. of Eden and Eugene Evans and wife Rose of Marion; sister, Doris Bradshaw; five grandchildren, Gillespie "Ernie" Evans, III and wife Debra, Mary Louise Evans and husband Gregory Sr., Christopher Evans and wife Danielle, David Evans and wife Billie Jean, and Christina Justice and husband Brian; 14 great-grandchildren, Kelly Townsend and husband John, Katie Horseman and husband Robbie, Brandon Evans and wife Sarah, Gregory Evans, Jr., Amanda Bunting and husband Micah, David Evans, Jr. and wife Leslie, Nicholas Evans and fiancé Hannah Jones, Noah Evans, Graceson Evans,  Christian Evans, Damon Evans, Cole Evans, Caleb Evans, and Dean Evans; 12 great-great-grandchildren, John David Townsend, Mariah Townsend, Bryson Townsend, Bentley Evans, Evan Evans, Kylee Bunting, Robert Vaughn Horseman, Lilli Bunting, Luke Horseman, Olivia Evans, Jade Bunting, and Mariana Evans; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John Rabe Evans on December 13, 1990; five brothers, Olden, Doug, Thomas, Holly, and Keith Bradshaw; and three sisters, Madeline Dize, Rosie Downing, and Laura Kent.

Viewings will be Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 10 AM until 12 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield and Friday one hour prior to the service at the church on Rhodes Point.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 7, 2023 at 2 PM at Calvary U. M. Church on Rhodes Point with a viewing one hour prior.  Grandson, Pastor Ernie Evans, will officiate the service.  Interment will follow in Calvary Church Cemetery.

There will be a special boat for funeral passengers, Chelsea Lane, that will depart Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield Friday at 12 PM and will return following the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calvary U. M. Church, Rhodes Point, MD 21824.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home.  To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com