She was born on December 17, 1935, in Rowan County, North Carolina, to parents Ernest and Esther Lovins.
She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Jacobs; one child, Gail Christopher; and her sister, Lucy Wellman.
Evelyn is survived by her children, Debbie Drye, Sandy (Danny) Hickman, Ricky (Suzie Martin) McDonald; adopted grandson, Chibon (Rachel) Jacobs; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.