Carolyn Marie (Rains) Evans

Carolyn Evans, 79, formerly of Flaherty, Ky passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, IN.

Born in New Castle, IN, on 22 July 1947 to Rosure McKinley and Myrtie Bell (Cummings) Rains, she is preceded in death by her parents and two half-sisters, Audrey Rains (Rineberger), and Norma Rains (Crockett); two half-brothers, Willard Cummings and Teddy Cummings; two full brothers, Bill Rains and George Rains; her husband, Cletis Evans, and a son, Edward Evans.

She is survived by two brothers, Joseph & Nancy Rains, and Benny Rains, both of New Castle, Indiana; and one son, Cletis Evans, Jr., & his wife, Sally of Brandenburg, KY.  Carolyn had many nieces and nephews.  Carolyn was a grandmother to Jordan Evans (Meeks) & Jerry, Jesse Evans & Ashley, and Joel Evans.  She was a great grandmother to Tanner Meeks, Rylee Evans, Savannah Meeks, and a step-great granddaughter, Elaina.

In 1985, after Cletis Jr entered the Marines, Carolyn started a career in photography teaming up with Komo Photo, which was a business operated just off Wilson Road behind the old Radcliff Drug Store.  For 26 years, Carolyn would eventually pick up the camera and take studio portraits of high school seniors, families, and military personnel serving at Fort Knox. 

As time went on in the 1990s, she would expand her photographic abilities to that of taking pictures for baseball, softball, football, and basketball teams.  When photos were printed, she was able to take them individually and as teams.  Thousands upon thousands of photos were taken by Carolyn.  When she wasn’t shooting a ball team, Carolyn would be working a wedding on a Friday or Saturday afternoon or evening.

The business was so busy that on a few occasions the business might have 5 weddings in a weekend and Carolyn would do 2 if the time were available.  Her photography expanded generations with those in the late 80s turning from kids into adults and then taking their wedding photos.  From weddings came the children and the process would repeat itself.  Her son mentioned while visiting from time to time from the Marines, if they ever went out, it never failed that Carolyn would run into at least 3 or 4 people who would mention that she had taken their picture.

As she ended her career in 2012, she reflected on how many people she met over that time and the incredible friendships created that continue to this day.  Never a person to meet a stranger, Carolyn would go out of her way to meet someone and see how she could help them.  More importantly, she wanted to put a smile on their face.

Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of teaching right from wrong, helping others with a hand up and not a hand out, and always telling those that you care the most how much you loved them every time you saw them or got off the phone with them.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Monday, August 31, 2026 and from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Chism Family Funeral Home, Vine Grove, KY.

Funeral services for Ms. Evans will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at the chapel of Chism Family Funeral Home, Vine Grove, KY.

A graveside service will be held at 5:00 PM EST, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Chanute Campbell Cemetery, Pall Mall, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carolyn’s honor to the Meade County Alumni Association, PO Box 283, Brandenburg, KY 40108.

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