Wilma Jean (Gates) Turner Evans of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the age of 89. Mrs. Evans was born on February 3, 1936, in Jackson County, the daughter of George and Mildred (Cole) Gates.
Mrs. Evans was a lifelong resident and an active member of the Jackson County community. As an astute businesswoman, she owned and operated several stores in Newport, including the Village Fabric Center, the Village Grill, and the Victorian Scents and Potpourri Company. However, she is perhaps best remembered for her many years as the owner of The Gizmo Shop, which was originally located in the Newport Village Mall and offered a wide array of unique and beautiful gifts. In 1977, she was chosen as Newport Citizen of the Year, an honor she took great pride in.
Mrs. Evans was a skilled seamstress who created drapes for various businesses in town. She enjoyed designing floral arrangements, cooking, fishing, and writing, having published two books.
Mrs. Evans was instrumental in establishing the Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Newport, alongside her husband, Paul. She was later an active member of Central Baptist Church in Newport, where she played the organ and piano during services and served as a Sunday School teacher.
Mrs. Evans especially cherished her family and loved spending time with them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Eugene Turner; her second husband, Ernest Evans, Jr.; her son-in-law, Roger Breckenridge; one sister, Brenda Taylor; two brothers, Harold and R.E. Gates; and her parents.
Mrs. Evans is survived by one daughter, Paula Breckenridge of Newport; one son, Brian Evans and wife, Missy of Cabot; four grandchildren, Mindalyn Breckenridge Hestir and husband, Max, Andrew Paul Breckenridge and wife, Rose, Laina Evans, and Landon Evans; two great-grandchildren, Ayva and Jaxton Breckenridge; one brother, Bobby Gates and wife, Janas of Newport; several nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home, Friday, 12:30 until service time. Funeral services will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dwight Turner officiating. Interment will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Brian Evans, Landon Evans, Sam Turner, Andrew Breckenridge, Jason Gates, and Max Hestir.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
