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BORN
1921
DIED
2016
Eva Sexton Obituary
Holladay, UT-On Thursday, May 12th, 2016 Eva Mae Sexton passed away peacefully at age 94. Eva was born in Lawrence, KS on September 6, 1921 to Albert and Amanda Shepard. She arrived in Salt Lake City in 1943 and married Henry Sexton. They were married for 62 years. Together they founded the "Four Five's Club" a social club for African Americans. Eva later established the first bowling league for African Americans, and bowled a perfect game scoring 300.
Eva's proudest accomplishment was becoming the first African-American foster parent in Utah and providing a home for over 187 children. Many of the children Eva helped continued to visit her up to the time of her passing. Eva was honored as Foster Parent of the Year several times, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Utah's Division of Family and Youth Services. During her lifetime, Eva also fought for civil rights. She was the first black woman to vote in the State of Utah, and received the NAACP's Rosa Parks Award in 2004, and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Lottie B. Wilson Award in 2011. Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; son, Henry Albert; and six siblings. She is survived by her son, Dennis; daughter, Bobbie (Deric); grandchildren, Natalie, Amanda, Emmanuel, and Isabelle; four great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many foster children. Memorial services will be held Thursday, May 19th, 12:00 noon, at Calvary Baptist Church, 1090 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.memorialutah.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eva Sexton
Lisa Marie Orem
May 22, 2016
Eva Mae, that house doesn't feel like home without you mucking about. I'm so lucky to have been one of the many you called yours. I love you, Ms Thang, and I will bring a little extra of your sass everywhere I go.
Carol Shifflett
May 20, 2016
Today I learned about the passing of Ms. Sexton. My heart bleeds with sadness and breaks with pain. With that said, she was a blessing to so many, a mentor, and an inspiration. The Sojourner Group featured her on our calendar in 2015. I'm thankful that she agreed to be a part of this great history. Thank you for sharing your mother with Salt lake City.
Lori Nadeau
May 19, 2016
I attended your service today Eva and it was beautiful. I know you would have been embarrassed by the attention and the accolades. But you deserved everything that was said and done today and more. There will never be another woman like you. You have touched so many lives for the better - mine included! I will carry your memory, the experiences we shared and the stories you shared with me forever. I know that you were greeted with "Well done, my good and faithful servant." My thoughts, prayers and love are with Dennis and your family. You raised an exceptional posterity and brought hope and love to 187 foster youth. Don't ever forget "I love you. And there isn't anything you can do about it!"
Steve Doxey
May 19, 2016
Dennis and Bobbie and family,
I have great memories of your mother--her striking green eyes, her faith in Jesus Christ, and her love for all people. It was an honor to be in her home as we spent time with some of her foster children. What a remarkable woman! We will miss her. I hope you find solace in knowing that she has gone home to that God who gave her life.
Laying in bed debating cards or shower
Lisa Marie Souza
May 19, 2016
Lisa Marie Souza
May 19, 2016
Visit October 2015
Lisa Marie Souza
May 19, 2016
Tim Odonnell
May 18, 2016
So sorry for your loss, it's never an easy thing to lose an angel. My thoughts are with you.
Georgiann Hernandez
May 18, 2016
My condolences to Eva's family. I was fortunate to be childhood friend of Henry Albert and Dennis. I lived across the street from the Sexton's and Brown's. I was truly blessed to have Eva share her home and kindness to me and my family. I never realized how accomplished she was in her life pursuits, until I read her obituary. Thank goodness for trailblazers like her.
mark kelson
May 18, 2016
There is only one joy, to love and be loved. eva defined this in her life.
Henry and Shirley Miller
May 17, 2016
So very sorry for your loss.
Eva Will be missed. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Wilfred & Ruby Simpson
May 17, 2016
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord comfort your heart with strength during this difficult time.
L. White (Folkes)
May 17, 2016
Moms,You gave me unconditional love, and never gave up on me.You helped me with my steps and stumbles into being the woman I am today, and again never gave up on me! You walked me into Calvary Baptist Church for the first time at 13 years old and showed me how much God loves me,and now I am able to show my Grandbabies. I Love You and truly will miss hearing but will always cherish your words of wisdom, and will always feel your unconditional love.You will always be my brightest star.
I Love you Letha
Natalie Moldover
May 16, 2016
My condolences to the Sexton family. Mrs Sexton always had a kind word for me. May she rest with God.
Cori Price
May 16, 2016
To the Family, Friends & Loved Ones of Ms. Eva Sexton:
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
With Love and Hugs,
Cori and Coleman Price
Susan Nibley
May 16, 2016
We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Our deepest condolences to Dennis and to the Sexton family.
Sue and Chuck Pack
May 15, 2016
My Dear Sexton Family,
I met Eva in 1986 due to meeting Dennis and the birth of Amanda, her granddaughter. She is a believer in learning how to make your life better. Believing that giving advise AND communication goes both ways. Eva would tell you how it is even if you didn't want to hear it. Her suggestions made me a changed person forever. True happiness comes from within the very soul YOU see. Mirror HER life and you will be the best you can be.
She seemed to remember how important God is, our OUR HEAVENLY WAS HER GUIDE and invited all to be Christian right with HER. My live will be complete to be half as faithful and honest as you.
My THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS are with the family as this time. We will miss your Christmas letter.
AMANDA'S MOM----Diana Hamilton
Corey Mills
May 15, 2016
R.I.P. Miss Eva. You were an awesome lady that helped my son turn his life around.
Amber Aguilar
May 15, 2016
I am sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences to the Sexton family.
Stephanie Woody
May 15, 2016
Beautiful woman with remarkable intentions and accomplishments.
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