Clara "Honey" Fringer Byerly Evans

Honey, whose birth name was Clara, died peacefully from Alzheimers on November 18, 2020 at Robison Cedar Sinai Park, Stern Home. Honey spent a happy childhood among her close family in Reisterstown, Maryland.  Her father, George Lamott Byerly, was the longtime County Clerk of Baltimore County.  Her mother, Clara Fringer Byerly, was a school librarian.  Honey was the eldest of three sisters (Elizabeth and Susan). She loved to compete in roller skating as a teenager, and took part in old-fashioned social etiquette functions that were enjoyed in the South.  She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Nursing.   While at the University, she met Dr. John E. Evans, a young general surgeon.  Honey was accepted at the University’s Medical School, but chose to pursue a nursing career. She went on to marry John (Toppy), who served in MASH 8055th unit during the Korean War. While working as a nurse, Honey, with the help of her parents, began raising her first child, Nancy.

After John’s service in Korea ended, the couple settled in John’s home town of Wilmington, North Carolina, where they welcomed the birth of John III and David.  In 1957, Honey and John decided their journey through life should happen in the West — in Eugene, Oregon, where their sprawling, walnut tree-shaded house was within hearing distance of Duck football games at nearby Autzen Stadium. The birth of daughters Susan, Jennifer and Laura soon followed the move.  Life in Eugene allowed Honey time to work, raise a family, and be a mom to numerous dogs and cats.  She loved Jazz music and often enjoyed live music performances in Eugene. She was especially proud of her volunteer work as a nurse at the White Bird free clinic for low income individuals, often troubled teens. She collected dolls, painted ceramics and became a gourmet cook — and loved cook-offs at home with a Chinese restaurant-owning couple she befriended.  She contributed recipes to several cookbooks.  Honey was intellectually curious, an avid listener and was fascinated by people from all walks of life.  Honey will be remembered for her strength, wit and fierce love of her family, her compassion and enduring thirst for knowledge.

After moving to Portland in her 80s, Honey joined her daughter Susan as a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church.

Honey was preceded in death by her husband, John and her daughter Jennifer.  She is survived by her children and grandchildren:  Nancy (Kevin) Wilson and Christina and Elizabeth,  Dr. John (Maryam Shadbeh) Evans and Nick and Neil, Dr. David (Dr. Terry Coates-Evans) Evans and Melissa and Katherine,  Susan (Tim) Grabe and Sarah and Noah, Jennifer Robertson (Deceased) (Cabell Robertson) and Laura and John Robertson, and Laura Evans.  She is also survived by her sister Susan Peach.

The family extends their thanks to the staff at Robison Cedar Sinai Center, Stern Home for the exemplary care they provided. A Zoom celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 28th at 3:00 pm. Contact family members for more information.