Evalyn Knox

MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

In Loving Memory of Evalyn Marie Conard Knox

June 28, 1927 – February 10, 2026

With gratitude for her long and remarkable life, we announce the peaceful passing of Evalyn Marie Conard Knox on February 10, 2026, at Williams Place in Davidson, North Carolina.

Born in Boone, Iowa, to educators Willard and Marie Conard, Evalyn inherited a lifelong love of learning. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa State University and began her professional life as an elementary school teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico, later teaching for fourteen years in Bradenton, Florida. After moving to North Carolina, she continued serving students as a volunteer in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools for twenty additional years. Education was never simply her career — it was her calling.

Evalyn’s interests extended far beyond the classroom. She served as program coordinator for the Girls Club in Bradenton, worked as a Senate aide for a Florida State Senator, and helped develop an international language school. She was also an entrepreneur, owning and operating two successful Bradenton businesses: A Classic Shop, a women’s boutique known for its elegance and style, and Apex Floor Cleaners.

Over her 98 vibrant years, Evalyn embraced life fully. She raised a family, built businesses, volunteered generously, traveled, played competitive bridge, and formed lasting friendships wherever she lived.

Evalyn was married to Gerry Laursen for twenty-five years, to Herb Blumenthal for twenty-five years, and to Yale Knox for five years. She was a devoted mother to Janelle Karchaske (Ron), Cate Vaughan (Gene), Gracia Lesser (Phil), and Bill Laursen (Pam).

She was a loving grandmother to Sean Wilson (Valeriane), CJ Wilson (Stacy), Stephen Hawkins, Elizabeth Johnson (Ben), Charles Laursen (Aruna), Jessica Paloger (Matthew), Maggie Laursen (Aaliyah), and Kendall Moore. She delighted in her great-grandchildren: Denali, Elias, Montana, and Soleil Wilson; Sadie, Kaiden, and Kaleb Wilson; Jacob, Anna Catherine, Joshua, Caleb, and Nathaniel Johnson; Farhan and Kalmani Laursen; and Jacob Paloger. She was also blessed with a great-great-grandchild, Zaire Johnson. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Richard Conard (Betty).

In her final years at Williams Place, Evalyn formed new friendships and remained surrounded by loving family and caregivers. She leaves a legacy of a life devoted to learning.

A family-led celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the activity room at Williams Place, 825 Peninsula Drive, Davidson, NC 28036. Friends and family are invited to join in sharing stories, memories, laughter, and love as we honor her extraordinary life.

Evalyn shared this prayer:

“Thank you for the years of my life. Comfort those whom I leave, whose journeys in faith I will no longer share. Let them know they will always be in my heart, and keep them ever close to you.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Health and Education for All International (Tax ID 27-4443481; 7395 Millstone Circle SW, Concord, NC 28025; 803-290-3861), honoring Evalyn’s lifelong commitment to education.

For additional information about the celebration, please contact Cate Vaughan at cateebug@gmail.com.

The Knox Family have entrusted arrangements to Roseboro's Mortuary & Crematory. 

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