Longtime Fayette County resident and New Hope Baptist Church’s oldest member, Evie Bowers, celebrates her 100th birthday on November 20th. Born Evie Ann Bowen, Evie was raised in Palmetto GA and moved to Fayette County as a new bride in 1954. This is where her legacy started.
On a blind date set up by a friend, Evie met her future husband, Joseph Bowers. Evie says, “It was a double date and when I looked out on the porch, I saw two young men. I was hoping that the tall handsome one would be Joe.” And he was. Joe and Evie married on November 28, 1954 and started construction on their dream home on GA 85 in south Fayette where they raised their two daughters: Ann (Short Spurrier) and Robin (St. John). Evie still resides in this memory-filled home nestled in towering trees surrounded by many flowers.
Evie opened the first Evie’s Beauty Shop shortly after moving here. Her venture was successful and her shop multiplied to two locations: one moving to operate out of her new home and another operating in Fayetteville Square.
Joe was a native of Fayette County and was an honored veteran of the Airforce and an active member of what was originally Glenn Grove Baptist Church, then Starr’s Mill and now New Hope Baptist Church South. The couple’s thirst for knowledge and their call to ministry led Joe and Evie to attend Christian leadership classes at Ridgecrest Assembly and to serve in several areas at their church. Joe served both as a Deacon and a Sunday School Director. Evie served as Women’s Missionary Union Director for many years and taught Sunday School for over 40 years. She and Joe spent time visiting the community, inviting neighbors to church, and provided transportation for those accepting their invitation.
Evie is a beloved matriarch to her daughters, two grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman, balancing the role of wise homemaker and prosperous businesswoman while serving God and others. Evie enjoyed work; and even after selling her shops in the early 1980s, she continued her career part-time as a hairdresser until retiring at the age of 94. Today at 100, Evie remains a vibrant, beautiful lady who loves life and lives it to the full. She enjoys family gatherings, parties, and travel. In fact, due to her love for Dolly Parton, her entire family headed to Dollywood to celebrate her 99th birthday last year.
If you ask Evie her favorite color, it’s red. Her favorite songs are “Blessed Redeemer” and “Because He Lives”. Her favorite Bible verse is Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. When Evie is asked to what she attributes her good health and longevity, she encourages us with “You must maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life and keep putting one foot in front of the other.” She then captures it all by saying one precious word, “Jesus.”
New Hope’s Senior Pastor Rhys Stenner comments, “Congratulations to Evie on reaching this remarkable milestone. As her pastor for nearly a fifth of her life, I can only imagine the energy, fun, and laughter she brought in her first 80 years. Evie and Joe were instrumental in the growth of our South Campus, and Evie was a source of encouragement for our eldest daughter during her training to become a hairdresser. Thank you, Evie, for your faithfulness and for achieving what cricket fans call “100 not out!” New Hope will celebrate Evie’s 100th birthday on Thursday, November 7th. It’s sure to be a day to be remembered.
Debbie Babb may be contacted at Debbie.babb@comcast.net and at 678.898.0762 for further information.
Photos attached with captions.
NOTE: New Hope Baptist Church is a Bible believing church in two locations along with two Hispanic campuses – one in the heart of Fayetteville (North Campus) and another on the cusp of Peachtree City/Senoia (South Campus). www.newhopebc.org.
