Congresswoman Terri Sewell sent her condolences on the passing of former Selma Mayor George P. Evans on Monday.
“Today, the City of Selma lost a giant,” Sewell said in a statement. “I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the family on the passing of George P. Evans, the former two-term Mayor of Selma. From being Dallas County’s first Black school board superintendent to his 16 years of public service as President of the Selma City Council and then as Mayor, Evans led by example through his hard work, perseverance, grit, and kindness.”
“During his tenure as Mayor, he partnered with my office to create jobs and bring vital federal resources home to Selma and Dallas County. From his demonstrated efforts to revitalize downtown Selma to his dedicated commitment to making our community stronger and safer, Mayor Evans fought hard to improve the lives of the people he served,” Sewell said. “I will never forget the honor of standing alongside Mayor Evans and President [Barack] Obama at the foot of the Selma bridge to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March, as the Mayor welcomed the world to his beloved hometown.
“I have known Mayor Evans all my life, and he has always been a strong voice and a tireless fighter for the people of Selma,” Sewell stated. “He loved his family, his church, his city, and most of all. He loved people. His public service has left an indelible imprint on Selma, and he will be missed. Let us find comfort knowing that his incredible legacy will live on in the many people he touched. May he rest in peace and power.”
Evans was Dallas County’s first Black school superintendent. He served eight years on the Selma City Council, where he was chosen as the President of the Council. He served two terms as Mayor from 2008 to 2016. He was defeated in his bid to win a third term by State Rep Dario Melton.
Evans was a Selma native. He was a standout athlete who had to leave the state to play NCAA football since the Southeastern Conference was then segregated, and there were no Black athletes or students allowed. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Kansas and a master’s degree from West Alabama University. Evans was a career educator. He spent many years as an NCAA basketball referee, including in NCAA tournament games.
Evans and wife Jeanne have three children and five grandchildren.
Sewell is a native of Selma. She has represented Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District since her election in 2010.
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