Grace Burnham Evans

Grace Burnham Evans, 91, of Oriental passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021, at home.

Grace worked numerous jobs within the N.C. Highway Commission for 40 years. She also worked with the Natural History Museums in Raleigh, NC. She volunteered with the N.C. State Legislature as well as the N.C. Democratic Committee. She worked tirelessly to raise funds for P.C. Hospice, Heartworks and the HOPE Clinic and volunteered with the Red Cross.

Grace was the first woman downeast to obtain her captain’s license. She traveled all over delivering sailboats to different marinas and owners. She owned a sailing school. She was instrumental in the opening of the Oriental History Museum and was involved in the start-up of the dragon run in Oriental.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Wright Astley Burnham; niece, Cynthia Burnham Hogan; cousin, Brian Burnham; and brother-in-law, Leslie B. Evans.

She is survived by her daughter, Meta Jones and husband, Henry A. Jones; stepson, David S. Evans Jr.; two grandchildren, Emilie Jones Harris and Gerald William Jones; great-granddaughter, Katelyn Aubrey Harris; nieces, Susan Burnham and Kim Burnham; great-nephew, Nathan Hogan; great-niece, Cynthia Hogan; and sister-in-law, Anne Evans.

Friday, August 27 ^th at 7:00 p.m. family and friends will gather at her beloved riverfront, Lou Mac Park in Oriental, to share stories about Grace. Please bring a lawn chair.

Her memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 28 ^th at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Oriental.

In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions be made to National Public Radio; N.C. Wildlife Federation; Coastal Federation; Possumwood Acre Wildlife Sanctuary; Sound Rivers or Lou Mac Park c/o Town of Oriental.