Margaret Ashby Evans

Margaret Ashby Evans, 38, of Marshall, NC, passed away peacefully at her home in Marshall on October 3, 2023.

We invite her many friends and family to a celebration of her life to be held on Friday, November 10 at the Madison County Arts Council, 90 South Main Street in Marshall, NC, 5-8 pm. Bring your favorite Margaret memories to share. A memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am November 11, 2023 at Grace Episcopal Church in Asheville, NC with Rev. Milly Morrow, Rector, officiating. There will be a reception afterwards.

Margaret was born on September 25, 1985 in Jackson, MS. She graduated from high school at Forsyth County Day School in Winston-Salem NC and then attended and graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA with a major in photography.

She is survived by her husband, Trevor Weston Burns, her parents, Dr. John Willis Evans, Jr. and Margaret Bailey (Amy) Evans of Breckenridge, CO; sister, Laurie Anne Evans of Weaverville, NC; brother, Dr. John Willis Evans, IV and wife Lee of Augusta, GA., nephew Joseph Bailey Lamb, nieces Elizabeth Ann Evans and Katherine Ashby Evans. Margaret also loved and was deeply loved by her 'second family' which embraced her huge heart and playful spirit – Deb and Jerry Burns of Marshall, NC; sisters Lauren Burns Gattis, Alice Leah Burns; niece Grayson, and new nephew Walter Hines.

She was a talented and creative artist, especially with her photography. From an early age she was an animal lover and cared about all of God's creatures. She had an energetic personality and was known for her wit and humor. She had friends all over the country who are deeply saddened at her passing. She was with her loving partner, Trevor for 6 years, marrying two years ago at a lovely small private ceremony at the beautiful Dry Falls waterfall near Highlands that she loved.

Margaret has lived in Marshall, NC for over ten years where she loved the community and the smalltown location on the French Broad River. Her loss will be felt deeply in Marshall. She knew everyone and everyone knew her at Zuma Coffee where she worked and greeted everyone each morning with her generous smile and open heart. She was a big part of the town's quirky charm and character and will be remembered with joy. She loved and participated in Marshall's festivals – especially the Mermaid Parade where she danced her way down Main Street with delight with Trevor as her pirate mate. She loved her second home at The Cove, the Burns' home in the countryside, playing with the fish and chickens and floating in the pond on lazy summer Sunday afternoons.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorials be made to Margaret's favorite charities: My Sister's Place (PO Box 467, Marshall NC 28753) and Friends of Madison County Animals (PO Box 191, Marshall NC 28753).