Evelyn Rachel Gentle Barnwell, 88

Evelyn Rachel Gentle Barnwell, 88, passed away in her home Friday January 15, 2016 following a period of declining health. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Marion and Allie Drake Gentle and a brother, Charles Marion Gentle, Jr. Born in Hendersonville, she lived most of her life near her childhood home.
Evelyn attended Lees-McRae College where she obtained an Associate in Arts certificate in 1946. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Library Science degree. Later she attended Western Carolina University where she obtained her teaching certificate.
Evelyn’s teaching career spanned a 30 year period in Virginia and North Carolina, but her heart truly belonged to all the children she taught and loved at Edneyville Elementary School. She retired as a school teacher in 1987.
Evelyn was a faithful member of Fruitland Baptist Church for over 50 years. She shared her love of God and His word with several generations of children by teaching Sunday school classes. She was a shining example of a true servant of God.
She is survived by a daughter, Selina Barnwell Edney and her husband, Morris; one granddaughter, Jessica Edney Davidson; two great-granddaughters, Ashley Selina Davidson and Kimberly Lynn Davidson all of Hendersonville, N.C.; a sister, Sharon Ann Gentle; two brothers, Duane Lee Gentle and wife Lettie; Theodore William Gentle and wife Shirley, all of Fletcher as well as many precious nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 23 2016 at Fruitland Baptist Church. Rev. Michael Smith, Rev. Craig Stepp, and Rev. Steve Jones will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to Four Seasons Hospice or Fruitland Baptist Church Building Fund at www.tmcfunding.com. Please visit shulerfuneralhome.com to sign an online guest book.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.