Eva Mays Gowen
Eva Golden Mays Gowen went to be with the lord after 100 years on this earth on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Mack Mays and Nettie Coffey Mays.
Born on February 27th, 1926, Eva lived a remarkable and blessed life of 100 years, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, resilience, and devotion to family. She was one of eleven children and grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, perseverance, and close family ties that would guide her throughout her century of life. The relationships she shared with her siblings remained a treasured part of her journey, and she carried a deep appreciation for family with her wherever life led.
Eva dedicated many years of service to the Central Virginia Training Center, where she worked faithfully until her retirement. She took pride in her work and was known for her dependable nature, strong work ethic, and caring spirit. Through the years, she touched the lives of many colleagues and friends who came to know her for her kindness, wisdom, and gentle demeanor.
Faith was the cornerstone of Eva's life. As the oldest living member of Monroe United Methodist Church, she held a special place within the church family she loved so dearly. Her lifelong commitment to her faith and her church community served as an inspiration to all who knew her. She found strength, comfort, and purpose through her relationship with God and remained a steadfast example of grace and devotion throughout her life.
Eva embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude. She found great joy in gardening and took pride in cultivating beautiful flowers and plants, finding peace and fulfillment in watching them grow and flourish. She also loved dancing and could often be found enjoying music and sharing laughter with family and friends. Traveling with loved ones brought her immense happiness, allowing her to create treasured memories she held so dear. Whether at home tending her garden, gathered with family, or embarking on a new adventure, Eva appreciated every moment and lived each day with a joyful spirit.
Above all else, Eva cherished her family. She was a source of love, wisdom, encouragement, and strength to generations who looked to her for guidance and comfort. Her long life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and perseverance. She witnessed a century of change and progress yet remained grounded in the values that mattered most; love for God, devotion to family, and kindness toward others.
Eva's life was one well-lived and richly blessed. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and her legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering love will be carried forward for generations to come.
In addition to her parents Eva was preceded in passing by her husband James Edward Gowen; her siblings Avery M. Mays, Eunice M. Stevens, Herman L. Mays, Rayful L. Mays, George F. Mays, Clyde C. Mays and Mack G. Mays (Janie); the Father of her children, Howard Franklin Evans; her baby boy Howard Franklin Evans, Jr.; her daughters Esther Maddox, Irene Allen; grandsons Timothy Parr, Dennis Maddox; sons in law Calvin Allen, Wilton S. Parr, Jr., Clayton Maddox and Jimmy Stilwell.
Those left to cherish Eva’s long-lasting legacy and memory include her beloved children Mary E. Parr, Jacquelin Sandidge; 10 grandchildren Ray Allen (Julie), Renee Allen (Don), Billy Parr (Dana), Kevin Parr (Valerie), Samantha Maddox (Ernie), Johnny Maddox (Tamara), Melinda Harris (George), Stephen Stilwell, Jr., Muriel Pyle (Rob), Clayton Maddox, Jr.; 21 great-grandchildren, 26 great-great grandchildren; siblings Rachel M. Campbell, Mary Jane Campbell (Norman), Marshall J. Mays (Polly) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff of Fairmont Crossing and Nayar Hospice.
The family will receive friends from 4-6pm Sunday, June 7th, 2026, at Whitten Monelison Chapel. There will be a celebration of life service for Eva on Monday, June 8th, 2026, at 2pm at Monroe United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Campbell officiating, with committal to follow at Amherst Cemetery.
The family will also receive friends at other times at Mary Parr’s residence: 273 Parrtown Road, Amherst VA, 24521.
