Mary DeBerry Evans

Obituary for Mrs. Mary Evans

Mary Vanessa DeBerry Evans, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, godmother, friend, and devout woman of faith, departed this life peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the age of 101.

Born on August 21, 1924, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Irene Young and Homer DeBerry, Mary spent her childhood in North Carolina as an only child under the care of her paternal grandparents. She was doted on by her five uncles and drew inspiration from hearing one of them sing in the church and play the piano. At an early age, Mary was deeply moved by the teachings of her faith, and they became the guiding light that directed her path and gave her strength and comfort to weather life’s challenges with grace and resolve.

As a young woman, Mary established her career and family in New York, where she raised her two sons and bought her first house in a time where such a feat was insurmountable for a woman of her time and circumstance. However, she persisted with success and later went on to purchase a family home with her late husband, Ralph Evans, and had a rewarding career as an accountant and entrepreneurial businesswoman that spanned decades. Upon her retirement, she and her husband would live out their years spending time with family and friends before his peaceful passing after almost 55 years of marriage.

As a long-time member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Asheboro, North Carolina, Mary dedicated herself to serving others with compassion and generosity. She regularly donated her time and resources to numerous charities, programs, and organizations, which exemplified her commitment to servant leadership and faith in action. She regularly participated in the community outreach activities at Christians United Outreach Center and gave her time immeasurably to helping the needy and providing elder wisdom and nurturance to all who sought her guidance.

With a deep love for her community, Mary contributed much of her time to social causes and helping to make life better for those around her. She provided tutoring to English language learners, was a member of the Board of DSS, supported causes fighting poverty and food insecurity, and regularly contributed her time to the Board of Elections. She was known throughout her life for her dedication, sharp wit, playfulness, and humor.

Mary had an unshakeable optimism, and her life was a living testimony to resilience and perseverance. Her smile was disarming, her laughter infectious, and her spirit full of light and love. She regarded each day as a blessing and made the most of every moment she was given. She lived not just a long life, but a full and remarkable one that serves as a reminder to us all that each day is a gift that should be lived to its fullest.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love carried forward by her son, Thomas Cain, goddaughters Deborah Price and Chris McCracken, daughter-in-law RoseAnne Cain, grandchildren Vannessa Gharbi(Adel), Claudine Cain, Rosemary Petersen Goine(Henry), Desmond Jackson, Habeeb DeHaney, Deandre Cain, nine great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who adored her and will dearly miss her. She is reunited in eternal rest with her son, Dennis Cain, husband, Ralph Evans, and stepson, Ralph Evans Jr., who went before her.

We will honor her life and cherished memories with services at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. Guests are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Sunday, September 28th, 2025, from 12:00-5:00 pm. Her final going home funeral service will be Monday, September 29th, 2025, at 12:00 pm, and she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Randolph Memorial Park.

A special thanks is extended to the dedicated staff at Cross Road Retirement Community and Gentiva Hospice Care for the support, nurturance, and care provided during this season of her life. Her family takes comfort in knowing that Mary’s wisdom, laughter, and deep faith will continue to guide and inspire all who were touched by her grace and generosity for generations to come.