At the age of 89, Wilma Jean (Gates) Turner Evans of Newport, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025. Mrs. Evans, the daughter of George and Mildred (Cole) Gates, was born in Jackson County on February 3, 1936.
Mrs. Evans lived in Jackson County her entire life and was involved in the community. A savvy businesswoman, she owned and ran a number of businesses in Newport, such as the Victorian Scents and Potpourri Company, the Village Grill, and the Village Fabric Center. She is most recognized, though, for her many years as the proprietor of The Gizmo Shop, which sold a variety of exquisite and unusual presents and was first housed in the Newport Village Mall. She was proud to have been selected as the 1977 Newport Citizen of the Year.
A talented seamstress, Mrs. Evans made draperies for a number of local businesses. She has two published books and loved to write, cook, fish, and design floral arrangements.
Together with her husband, Paul, Mrs. Evans played a key role in founding the Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Newport. Later, she became involved with Central Baptist Church in Newport, where she taught Sunday School and played the organ and piano during services.
Mrs. Evans loved spending time with her family and greatly treasured them.
Paul Eugene Turner, her husband; Ernest Evans, Jr., her second husband; Roger Breckenridge, her son-in-law; Brenda Taylor, her sister; Harold and R.E. Gates, her brothers; and her parents all passed away before her.
One son, Brian Evans and wife, Missy of Cabot; one daughter, Paula Breckenridge of Newport; one brother, Bobby Gates and wife, Janas of Newport; 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; numerous nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends are all left behind.
On Friday from 12:30 until the time of the ceremony, friends are welcome to visit the funeral home. At 2:00 p.m., viewing will be followed by funeral services. Bro. Dwight Turner served as the officiant on Friday, August 1 at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Walnut Grove Cemetery will be the place of burial.
Brian Evans, Landon Evans, Sam Turner, Andrew Breckenridge, Jason Gates, and Max Hestir are honored to be pallbearers.
Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home made the arrangements.
