Opal "Boots" Evans, 88, a resident of Benton, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2008 at a local health care facility. She was preceded in death by her husband James Evans and her parents Henry and Emma Sheilds.

Survivors include four children, Thomas Evans of Cleveland, Ann Pampel of Steger Illinois, Louise Key of Cleveland, and Sue Taylor of Mulliken, Michigan; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister Duvell Bates of Benton; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Reverend Brian Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with James Key, Richard Nichoson, Doug Taylor, Bill Key, John Nichoson, and Eric Calhoun serving as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2008 and also from 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2008 at Higgins Funeral Home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Evans family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.