Mary Evelyn B. Carnes, 91, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, December 25, 2018.  Born September 19, 1927 in Heath Springs, SC, Mrs. Carnes was the daughter of the late Omelia Malita Bowers Nichols and George Washington Bowers.

Evelyn was educated at North Greenville College and Kings College.  She met the love of her life, Lane Carnes, in 1943 before he entered service for World War II.  They were married in 1948 after he returned to Lancaster and spent 53 wonderful years together until his death in 2001.  Evelyn had a deep, abiding faith and love for the Lord and was an example to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church where she held many different leadership roles in Sunday school and women's ministries.  Evelyn especially loved music and served her church as the adult choir director for over 30 years.

Mrs. Carnes was a devoted homemaker and an accomplished seamstress.  Later in life, she worked in the Lancaster School System at Central Elementary School until she retired.  Evelyn enjoyed gardening and cooking, especially fish fry gatherings in the backyard for friends and family with her husband, Lane.

She leaves an amazing legacy of what it looks like to love the Lord and others well.  The life and memories she leaves in the hearts and minds of her family, friends, and church family are filled with significance and meaning in how one life can beautifully impact so many.  She was greatly loved, honored, and respected by everyone who knew her.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mrs. Carnes will be held at New Hope Baptist Church in Lancaster, SC on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 3:00 pm with Rev. Larry Carnes, Rev. Patrick Clark and Rev. Stephan Pace officiating.  The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00pm in the church fellowship hall.

Mrs. Carnes is survived by daughters, Elaine (Bobby) Baker, Teresa (Efrain) Arrazola, and son, Rev. Larry (Peggy) Carnes; grandchildren, Kristen (Andy) Bratton, Malissa Baker, Maggie (Lucas) Dourado, Sarah Arrazola, Sam Carnes, Maricatherine Carnes and 3 great grandchildren, Margot, Chase and Asher.

In addition to her husband, Lane Carnes of 53 years, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jarrett (Jay) Anderson Bowers, sister, Sylvia Nichols Bowers and granddaughter, Anna Arrazola.

The family sincerely appreciates and thanks the staff at Willowbrook at Park Point Village and Hospice Care of South Carolina for their loving care of our mother.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 3731 Lynwood Drive, Lancaster, SC 29720 or Hospice Care of South Carolina, 1639 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.