Evonne Cline

October 15, 1938 - August 31, 2019

EVONNE DELORES VALENTINE CLINE, Evonne left to meet her Lord and savior early Saturday morning, August 31, 2019 at the age of 80.  She was born on October 15, 1938 in Cross City, Florida to Lester and Dora (Butler) Valentine. 

  Evonne was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. After moving with her family to Gainesville as a child, Evonne found salvation at and joined Grace Presbyterian Church and went on to graduate from Gainesville High School in 1956. In 1971 she began her families migration back home to the old Butler property in Shelton, Florida where her family roots run very deep.  She longed to be home.  

 Evonne was instrumental in the founding of the Dixie County Historical Society.  One of her favorite projects was overseeing the restoration of the old Old Town Elementary School and turning it into the Historical Society Headquarters.  She had a passion for genealogy research and ran a column in the Dixie County Advocate highlighting our counties founding families for several years.  She also published three books on the subject.

 Evonne worked for many years with the Florida Forestry Service as a Tower Watcher.  She treasured the friendships of her co-workers.  She, along with her cousin, Jimmie Jean Atkins, ran a restaurant in Horseshoe Beach for several years, as well.  

 Evonne was ready to be reunited with her son, Thomas “Monty” Cline, Jr, as well as her parents.  She is survived by her son Jonathan “Mark” (Susanne) Paules, her daughter Cindy (Darryl) Paules Chewning, her brothers Steve and Smokey Valentine, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and more friends and family members than we could count.  She has had a blessed life and was a blessing to many.

 There will be a Memorial Service for Evonne in the auditorium at the Dixie County Historical Society on Saturday, September 14th at 6pm.  Burial service will be at Butler Cemetery Sunday morning at 2pm on September 15th. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Dixie County Historical Society.