Evelyn Jane Whitehead

Mrs. Evelyn Jane Whitehead, 62, of Alexandria, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025. She was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on July 29, 1963. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Willie Ashford and Etta Mae Stanley Williams, her husband, Richard Whitehead, and brothers, Jerry Ashford and Charles Ashford.

She is survived by sons, Jeffrey Whitehead and Josh Floyd, stepson, Richard Whitehead, Jr., brother, Ricky Ashford, half-brother, Jesse (Joanne) Williams, sister, Tammie Thompson, boyfriend, Larry Davenport, and by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Growing up it didn’t take Evelyn long to figure out she would be taking her own path in life. She soon developed a few different key loves in her life. As a young lady she got swept off her feet by Richard. They fell in love and soon tied the knot and set up housekeeping. Their love was strong, and Evelyn was strong-willed and would share her opinions freely. This attribute would occasionally draw her and Richard into a lover’s tiff. After she said her peace they would kiss, make-up, and carry on as usual.

God blessed her with the gift of gab, and she used it often to chat with friends, family, and anyone else who crossed her path. As a young couple she and Richard sought out work. Somehow, they both landed jobs driving a cab in Murfreesboro. Definitely, an unconventional line of work for a woman. It suited her because she loved to talk to the passengers in the cab. Over the years she drove for most of the taxi companies in Murfreesboro. She did have to stay on her toes because taxi driving was not the safest of jobs, especially for a woman. More than once, she was either robbed or stiffed for a fair. It didn’t seem to slow her down.

Another of the loves of Evelyn’s life was her son, Jeffrey, adopted son, Josh, and any other little child. When she was off from driving the cab, she would spend her time helping raise other family member’s children. If they needed a break or if they were going with a rough patch, she would step up to help take care of the kids as long as she was needed. She would make sure to feed them some good old, country, home cooking. One of Jeffrey’s favorite meals was cube steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli and cheese with rolls. The love she put into the meals she cooked made them taste that much better.

Evelyn loved to take and collect photos of the people and times that meant so much. Her extensive catalog of family albums was something she looked forward to handing down to Jeffrey and Josh. Music also held a special place in her heart. Listening to country songs like The Dance by Garth Brooks and I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack transported her thoughts to another time and place.

When the struggles of life found her, she managed to smile through the hardships and pain she faced. Finding a way to look for the light. Always seeing a ray of sunshine through the darkest cloud. While she didn’t often find her way into a church pew. She knew God and that she could face anything through the strength Christ gave her.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 3-7 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.