Torri Georgetta Evans Trexler (TorTor, Torri G, Mama Bear) went home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. She is now celebrating that reunion along with her loved ones dearly departed. (Especially both sets of grandparents, Aunt Jean and Uncle Kenneth and Uncle Bill).Torri has to temporarily be separated from the absolute love of her life- her husband Matthew Alan Trexler, and her two daughters, Madelyn Palmer Trexler (Maddie Moo) and Georgia Ellen Trexler (Georgia Peach)- who are her greatest accomplishments. She will run to meet them in Heaven when it is their time.
Torri is now floating in the lakes of Heaven with her canine best friends who were waiting for her on the other shore. Sam, Callie, Lady and Finn (when he passes).
Born March 14, 1970 to her role models Stephen Cain Evans and Peggy Ellen Tucker Evans, she grew up in Mocksville, NC and spent as much time as possible playing outdoors on their 20 acres of Heaven on Earth. With Peggy teaching her how to play softball, Torri and her mama had fun competing in sports. Peggy did her best to keep Torri G in line, but Torri knew she was really in trouble when Steve was called in for discipline! Torri also enjoyed fishing, watching sunsets, and spending time in deer stands with her daddy. Among many things, Steve taught her how to safely handle guns and waterski – two of Torri’s favorite life skills. Torri and her Sissy Tonya spent epic days playing together on Evans Acres!
Torri was especially close with her beloved Evans grandfather, George Evans, (her middle name Georgetta was a tribute to him) and Ruby Lois Cain Evans (her hero and inspiration for “AWE”) and beloved Aunt Jean and Uncle Kenneth and Uncle Bill. She grew up with cousins- Hilary Evans, Amy Carter (Matt), Seth Carter (Jessie), and Daniel Carter, and they remained life long friends. Torri always looked forward to extended Evans, Cain, and Dyson family reunions. Torri also treasured her time with Tucker grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
Her Sissy, Tonya Dawn Evans Kerr, has been her lifelong bestie. When Tonya married Kevin Scott Kerr- (her brother from another mother) her treasured ones continued to grow – nephew Austin Evan Kerr (the son she never had) ( Lindsey Case) and Abigail Grace Kerr Farmer ( her sassy, mini-me) (Adam Farmer) and great niece Harper Wren Farmer. ( the next generation sassy, mini-me).
Torri graduated with Honors (somehow!) from Davie County High School in 1988, where she enjoyed time with her friends, and played softball through junior high (her mom was her summer league coach and also her physical education teacher during middle school). Peggy Evans held her accountable in many ways, especially inspiring competitiveness, and taught her the Tucker resilience. Torri played tennis in high school, served as Jr class officer, held SGA positions, was newspaper editor, and was a member of both NHS and Beta Club. She enjoyed time with her school friends (in particular Beth Dwiggins Budd, Mara Sherden, Melinda Frye Phillips, Maryt Johnson Reaves, Carol McDaniel Young, among others). Torri might have gotten into some mischief. But for the Grace of God!
Torri was a lifelong member of Center United Methodist in Mocksville, NC and was influenced by its Christian fellowship. Special friends through Youth Group and over the years were Youth Leaders Mark and Kim Williams ( who put up with A LOT but loved us through it!) and buddies Brad Anderson, Brian Williams, Ray Tutterow, Edwin Robertson, and Michelle Kimmer.
After her college graduation from NCSU and Matt’s graduation from Lenoir Rhyne University, they both settled in the Cornelius area and were introduced by close friends Brad Morton and Alexandra Gonzalez Lelong. It all started with an epic Halloween party where Matt dressed as a doctor in scrubs and Torri dressed as Madonna – Like a Virgin era. ( Matt and Torri even continued those Halloween costume parties for years when they settled in Denver, NC.) Their Lake Norman/ Davidson Landing fun crew included lifelong friends- Leah Mitcham, Pam Friedland and Chris Nanin, Marc and Alexandra Lelong, Brad Morton, Chris Hackett and Jose Plaza, among many others.
Going back to the love of her life, Matt- he never rushes with major decisions. Eventually, he finally asked Torri’s parents’ permission to marry her. The proposal was on the beach in North Topsail Beach during an Evans/Kerr family beach trip. When Matt and Torri returned to the vacation rental home, nephew Austin said, “Well, it’s about time!”
When Matt and Torri were married in 2003 at Davidson United Methodist, once again her list of treasured ones grew with her other parents- Charles and Jeanette Trexler, sister from another mother Emily Trexler Blair, “brother” Grayson Blair, and beloved nieces, Elizabeth Gray Blair and Sarah Jane Blair.
She treasured her extended family (Tucker, Tuttle, Evans, Carter, Cain, Murphy and Trexler crew) together over the years (beloved grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins, nieces, nephew, great niece). Her favorite occasions were Christmas celebrations and family beach trips – many years spent at Ocean Isle Beach. Torri was especially close to her cousins- Amy Carter Holland, Hilary Evans, Seth and Daniel Carter and Melissa Tuttle Shaw. Her aunts-Jean Carter (dearly departed and a role model), Hilda Tucker Turner (aunt who was like a sister), and Carol Tucker (who checked in with her daily during her cancer battle) were always very special and encouraging. Great Aunt Betty Cain (dearly departed) was her sassy inspiration. Torri’s Uncle Bill Evans (dearly departed) was her fashion/style icon. They were both always late to something.
Torri was country strong, loved to fish and slalom water-ski, paddle-board and float in Lake Norman. This inspired her to eventually plant roots in Denver, NC. She did enjoy fashion and became interested in apparel manufacturing, positively influenced by one of her lifelong best friends, Elizabeth Dwiggins Budd. This led Torri to graduate from North Carolina State University Wilson College of Textiles in 1992. Go Pack!
During her time at NCSU, it was destined for her to become a Zeta Tau Alpha Iota Phi Charter Member. The sorority chapter continues to flourish and her sisters continue to “be there for each other”. Two sisters in particular who have supported her through her cancer battle are Ginger Prince Villanti and Elizabeth Shotwell Sanders. Torri was crowned Pi Kappa Phi Rose Queen by her college boyfriend. Her favorite college honors, though, were being named ZTA Sunshine Award and Textile Marketing Student of the Year.
Her Bachelor of Science degree in Textile and Apparel Management led her to exciting, successful employment ventures. Her first real job was Student Services Representative at NCSU College of Textiles with her co-worker Rick Elmore, so they could recruit the potential future of textile employees. Torri took it a step further and recruited a wife for Rick. Linda Coy was one of her ZTA sorority sisters.
Torri enjoyed the traveling benefits of working in Apparel manufacturing sourcing, product development and sales. She had several professional mentors and friends from that time working with companies such as Nike, Adidas and Ithaca Industries. She gained one of her best, long term friends, Heather Price Manso Anderson through this era. Their favorite vacation together was Bali, Jakarta, Singapore, and Perth, Australia. Another notable friendship gained while she lived in Gastonia and worked for Ithaca Industries was Tracy Crisp, who was her roommate until Tracy helped Torri purchase her first home at the age of 25, an adorable Textile mill home in Belmont, NC.
Matt and Torri were united in Christian marriage on June 7, 2003 at Davidson United Methodist Church. Since Torri was 33 and Matt 34, they hoped to start a family soon. God graced them with their first daughter on January 1, 2005. (4 weeks early). Beautiful, strawberry blonde Madelyn Palmer Trexler came into this world fighting. Her resilience, determination and loyalty made her who she is today. God graced them with their second daughter on September 15, 2006. Beautiful, light blonde curly head Georgia Ellen Trexler came into the world spreading joy. Her Faith, athleticism and curiosity made her who she is today.
Also want to mention a few people and groups that have impacted Torri’s beautiful life…
Mimosas in Faith
M2M
Bible Babes
Matt’s Patterson Dental family
Bordeaux Original play group
Heather and the Ashley Cove family Preschool
RSE and Fun Run ladies
PTO
Zumba
LCS and NLMS
NLHS and LCS
Sports boosters
Carter
Sports: volleyball, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, diving and track for both girls Georgia and Maddie club vball
Georgia Carolina Select family and coach Michael and Lacey Rowe
Audra Harrison
Maddie best school friends
Maddie UNC friends
Georgia’s best school friends
Georgia VT teammates and coaches Church at Denver family
Home meals
Torri wanted to share her life story,
but it is NOT about her- it is all about the abundance of blessings God has graciously offered. If you have not yet received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, please do so! Torri wants to see you in Heaven!
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers:
Church at Denver churchatdenver.org
Center Methodist Church Evans Scholarship Fund Centerchurch.net
Davie County Community Foundation Davie County High School Class of 1988 Scholarship Fund
NCSU Wilson College of Textiles Scholarship Foundation
Humane Society
Miles Against Melanoma 573-280-7012 http://www.
Torri’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Church at Denver on Sunday, February 8, at 2:00 pm. The service will also be live-streamed through the church website. ◦
Such a beautiful tribute! Torri was loved by so many people❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏