“Today we remember Mrs. Evelyn Lowery, a remarkable woman in her own right, who dedicated her life to promoting equality, liberty and justice for all people. We are all a direct beneficiary of her sacrifice, service and work as a champion for human rights. Her legacy will continue to encourage many individuals, like me, to live with integrity, pride, courage and faith.”
— Kasim Reed, mayor of Atlanta
“Mrs. Lowery was a devoted mother, wife and friend who exemplified the strength of purpose that has marked the life that she and Dr. [Joseph] Lowery built and shared throughout their more than 65 years of marriage. Her life’s work fighting AIDS, preserving history, protecting the health and welfare of our communities and her tireless efforts strengthening black families is her legacy.”
— U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-DeKalb County
“She stood tall at this influential man’s side, ever in support of his public persona.”
— Sam Massell, president of the Buckhead Coalition and a former mayor of Atlanta
“Evelyn Lowery was not only the beloved wife and active partner of one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders, but one of the most admired and respected veterans of the American civil rights movement. She was a dedicated and energetic leader in her own right. As founder and chair of SCLC/WOMEN, Mrs. Lowery provided tireless leadership to empower women, protect and educate children and nurture families.”
—Bernice A. King, chief executive officer, The King Center
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Evelyn Lowery. As a longtime community leader and, Founder and Chairwoman of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N., INC., she was a powerful force in the civil and human rights movement, giving voice to disenfranchised women, children and families.
She was also a devoted mother, and wife to Rev. Joseph Lowery. Through their collective service, they have positively impacted the lives of many people and serve as a wonderful example of a couple dedicated to both service and each other. As we prepare to celebrate her life and her legacy, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to her entire family and those whose lives she touched." – Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell
"Mrs. Lowery was a lady of quality, class and distinction. Her work in the promotion of racial and economic justice, women's rights, and religious freedom has left an indelible mark upon the social, political, educational and moral conscious of our community, our state and our nation. Her level of intelligence, grace and compassion will be difficult to surpass. Atlanta, the nation and the world are a better place by her being in our midst." – Atlanta City Councilmember Felicia A. Moore, District 9
"Mrs. Lowery was a civil rights leader, a courageous woman, community activist and a humanitarian. We know that God knows best and she is now at rest. But while on this earth, she paid her dues to society and built sustainable programs that are meaningful to our community." – Atlanta City Councilmember C.T. Martin, District 10
"I am eternally grateful to Mrs. Lowery for her brave and passionate commitment to achieving equality for all women and men of color. My generation, and those to come, have been forever changed because of her willingness to sacrifice so much of herself, and of her family. Her selfless commitment to the cause of Civil Rights will always be an example of the responsibility we each have to leave this world a better place than we found it. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lowery family." – Atlanta City Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms, District 11
"I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope that time and remembrances will help to comfort the burden of your sorrow, and that you may receive some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss. I was honored to join Mrs. Evelyn G. Lowery and the Women of SCLC Women Inc. and my After 5 After program students for the Evelyn Gibson Lowery Civil Rights- Heritage Tour this past March 2nd and 3rd. The two-day tour from Atlanta to Alabama to see Historic Landmarks and meet the people of the Movement was a once and a lifetime event." – Atlanta City Councilmember Joyce M. Sheperd, District 12
Rep. Hank Johnson on Evelyn Lowery, the wife of civil rights leader Joseph E. Lowery:
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement on news of the death of Evelyn Lowery, the wife of civil rights leader Joseph E. Lowery:
“Mrs. Lowery was a devoted mother, wife and friend who exemplified the strength of purpose that has marked the life that she and Dr. Lowery built and shared throughout their more than 65 years of marriage. Her life’s work fighting AIDS, preserving history, protecting the health and welfare of our communities and her tireless efforts strengthening black families is her legacy. America has lost a great patriot for truth and justice. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Dr. Lowery, their children, and the family.”
