Evelyn DeLois Sewell

In Loving Memory of a Cherished Mother

Evelyn DeLois “Lois” Sewell was born on July 29, 1934, in New Hymn, Mississippi, to Estus H. Badgett and Annie Lee Badgett. The fourth of eight children, she grew up surrounded by family and faith, attending New Hymn Baptist Church where she began her lifelong spiritual journey. Though her beginnings were humble, she carried with her a deep devotion to family and community throughout her life.

Lois graduated from New Hymn High School and the Charity Hospital School of Nurses in Natchez, MS. In 1954, she became a Licensed Vocational Nurse and worked in Natchez and Jackson, MS. In 1958, she married Bennie Sewell, and together they built a life filled with love and resilience. In 1964, they moved to Rock Island, IL, where she made history as the first African-American woman to work in the office at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Davenport, IA. She retired after 25 years of dedicated service, later continuing her passion for caregiving with part-time work at St. Anthony’s Nursing Home.

For more than 50 years, Lois was a faithful member of Bethel AME Church, where she sang in the Senior Choir and served on the Usher Board. Her faith, kindness, and strength were a guiding light to all who knew her. She was a source of unwavering support; her warmth and generosity reflected in her radiant smile and compassionate spirit.

Lois devoted her life to her loved ones, always placing others before herself. Her laughter, wisdom, and love will forever remain in our hearts. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and compassion that continues to inspire her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Estus and Annie Badgett; her husband, Bennie Sewell; her son, Anthony Sewell; her sisters, Hazel Bass, Ruth Chestnut, Joyce Cureton and Pauline Buckley; and her brother, A.J. Badgett.

She is survived by her daughters, Sheryl Johnson (Bobby) of Lucas, TX, and Jacqueline Taylor of Lucas, TX, Sisters Yvonne Moody of Chicago, IL and Earnestine Byrd of Jackson, MS. Her memory lives on through her seven grandchildren—Tony Barnett, Angel Barnett, Greg Barnett Jr. (Shameka), Michael Barnett (Yeronika), Akili Johnson, Jalia Johnson, and Halisi Cail (Dennis)—as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

We will forever miss her gentle presence and cherish the moments we shared. May she rest in peace, knowing she was deeply loved and will always be remembered.

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