Evelyn Harlow Grass, 98, of Black Mountain, N. C., passed away peacefully at Flesher’s Fairview Health Center on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
Born on Feb. 14, 1925, in Clarksdale, Miss., to Charles Dunn Harlow, Sr. and Lucia Adams Harlow, she was named Evelyn Rivers Harlow in honor of her maternal grandmother, Evie Lowrey Adams and her uncle, Rivers E. Adams. She was “Ev” to family and friends.
Evelyn graduated from Clarksdale High School and completed an Associate’s Degree at Stephens College, Columbia, Mo. During the final year of World War II, she worked in a wartime clerical job at the Pentagon in Washington, D. C. She returned to Clarksdale in December, 1945, and for a few years was the receptionist at Ellis and Hirsberg Accounting Firm, a job that ideally suited her lifelong gifts for engaging people in warm, witty, and thought-provoking conversation while inviting them into friendship.
During the summer of 1954, Evelyn Harlow met James Hurst (Jim) Grass. They married at Evelyn’s grandmother’s home at Claremont, Miss., on Feb. 19, 1955. Their son, Paul Rivers Grass, was born on Jan. 17, 1959. In addition to her role as homemaker over the following decades, Evelyn frequently accepted substitute teacher jobs and worked in 1970 as a U. S. Census taker. Evelyn and Jim lived in Clarksdale until 1994, when they moved to Black Mountain.
Faithful members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Clarksdale, they served the church in leadership positions; Evelyn led the Worship Commission for multiple terms, once during the construction of a new sanctuary building. In 1996, Evelyn and Jim joined Black Mountain United Methodist Church and were members there for the remainder of their lives.
As a Black Mountain resident, Evelyn cultivated many, many enduring friendships, greeting and welcoming family, friends and passersby to her home, especially onto her porches.
She moved into the Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville, N. C., in November 2019; and she lived at Flesher’s Fairview from July, 2023 until her death. In both places she was a beloved, daily source of cheer to residents and staff alike. Affirming and encouraging faith in the Lord was a regular part of conversation with Evelyn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and Jim Grass, her husband of 62 years. Her sister Marie (Reedie) Harlow McCaughan of Long Beach, Miss., also passed away in December, 2022.
She is survived by her son Paul Grass of Black Mountain, her brother Charles D. Harlow, Jr. of Clarksdale, and numerous loving nieces (two of whom are her namesakes), nephews, and cousins. Evelyn Grass was exceptionally devoted to all she loved: her husband, her son, her extended family and the wide circle of friends whom she also regarded as family.
The Memorial Service will be held on Monday, Nov. 13, at 2 p. m. at Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church Street, Black Mountain. Reverend David Blackmon and Reverend Chandler Ragland will officiate. Visitation will be at Black Mountain UMC following the service. There will be a private family graveside service later in the week. Harwood Home for Funerals and Cremation Services is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to Griot Arts, Inc., 278 Sunflower Avenue, Clarksdale, Miss., 38614 or to Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, P.O. Box 235, Black Mountain, N. C. 28711.
