Eve Hayworth

Eve Lynn Hayworth passed away on March 7, 2021, at home surrounded by love. On this day, I lost my person, my wife, my daughter’s mama, and my best friend. Eve and I have been together for over 30 years, day in and day out. I wanted another 30 years to spend together, but it is not going to be. We loved each other deeply and right now it is difficult to imagine my earthly life without her. Evie was so witty, smart, creative, silly and most of all, so kind, with a generous spirit. She would say, no matter what, be kind.

Eve touched many lives with her unassuming presence, her kindness, her wit, and quite frankly the most beautiful voice I have ever ever heard. Her singing voice could make you melt and cry – touched some part of the soul that is indescribable. We had the chance to tell her how much she was loved by so many.

We will have a life celebration of Eve at one of our dear friend’s house in the fall, after the pandemic is under control. Details to come. This celebration will be Hawaiian inspired. Eve is part Hawaiian and her Hawaiian heritage and the Hawaiian culture were/are absolutely central to her very existence and being, even as she partnered and married a haole from Peoria, Illinois. The food, the sounds, the breezes, the ocean and mountains, the language, the music, the majestic volcanoes, the fragrances of Hawaii - she lived and breathed them. (She was not a fan of beaches, seriously, she could easily burn being a strawberry blonde (perhaps from the Irish side) Hawaiian…). And like every respectable Hawaiian must have, we have poi in the freezer.

Eve grew up on Oahu and also lived on the Big Island, earning her bachelors at University of Hawaii - Hilo. She was born In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and absolutely hated that fact! She was only in OK as an infant, less than a year. When she was asked where she was born, she would say, “I was born in Oklahoma City (she just could not lie), BUT I grew up in Hawaii and am part Hawaiian.”

Before going to undergrad, Eve was in the army from 1973 to 1977, and became a sergeant. In the army she went through language training school and learned Russian. She was a translator (I.e. a spy) stationed in Germany. She loved her experience, and has always been proud to be a veteran. After the army she attended two different bible colleges. She studied music, but hated music theory - that doesn’t go over too well for that major. So onward to University of Hawaii at Hilo to major in sociology. She then earned a Big Ten scholarship to attend the doctoral sociology program at University of Iowa, where she met her spouse, Cathryn. Eve had also worked as a travel agent, worked in a nursing home, and with disabled children.

Eve could do almost anything, from tiling the bathroom, using dangerous power tools, baking amazing cakes like one in the shape of the Taj Mahal and making Halloween costumes like a purple power supergirl cape, along with a little plumbing on the side. And she became an amazing potter.

There were six things most important to Evie: loving the Lord, being the best mama and partner as humanly possible, being a good friend, making a joyful noise particularly with her choir, making pots - lots and lots of pots infused with Hawaiian themes (she was a really good potter, and sold many pots, but I admit I wanted to keep most of them myself), and honoring her native land of Hawaii. Shopping at Costco could be the seventh… She did them all with her whole heart and so very very well.

My daughter and I, along with friends and family, are so blessed that we have had Evie/Mama in our lives.

Eve was predeceased by her father, John Richard Hayworth. She is survived by her spouse, Cathryn Johnson, daughter Ainura Mahina Hayworth Johnson, mother Carolyn May Burgess, stepfather Robert Burgess, her siblings, Steve Hayworth, Julie Wojszynsk , Joel Hayworth, and Philip Hayworth, and cousins.

Music was dear to Eve’s heart. In lieu of flowers, if you want to do so, donate to the music program at First Baptist Church of Decatur. This program is very outreach based. While there is a forty member choir that sings every Sunday, the annual Christmas on Clairemont and Joy Night allow the community to experience a world class Christmas experience with choir, orchestra and soloists and a celebration of the unique talents of church choirs from around the Atlanta Metro area singing inspirational gospel music all free of charge. In addition, First Baptist has the Ovations Concert Series that brings talent from the community and beyond. Decatur Avondale Children's Choir, Our Song, and the Decatur Civic Choir are also part of its music family.

For online contributions, go to this link and select Designated Gift, and indicate in honor/memory of Eve Hayworth:
https://give.ministrylinq.com/app/giving/cashlinq-136

To mail in a donation, make a checkout to First Baptist Church Decatur and notated "Music Ministry" in loving honor of Eve Hayworth and send it to:

First Baptist Church Decatur
308 Clairemont Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030