UPDATE: Former Selma Mayor George Evans Dies

Selma Mayor George Evans talks to WAKA 8 in 2016 – WAKA 8

People in Selma are remembering the life and work of former Selma Mayor George Evans. He died on Monday at the age of 78.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Alabama) released this statement:

“Today, the City of Selma lost a giant. 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.

“I will never forget the honor of standing alongside Mayor Evans and President 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.

Then-Selma Mayor George Evans (left) joins U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Alabama), Rev. Jesse Jackson, Vice President Joe Biden, Rev. Al Sharpton and the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) in a march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge that remembered Bloody Sunday, on Sunday, March 3, 2013 – WAKA 8

“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. 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.”

Current Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr., released this statement:

“It is with great sadness that the City of Selma, Alabama acknowledges the passing of the  Honorable George Patrick Evans. The Honorable Evans was the first African-American to be elected City Council President of Selma, Alabama in the year 2000 and was elected Mayor of  the City in 2008 where he served for eight years. He passed away on May 15, 2023. 

The Honorable Evans was a valued member of our City who continued serving right up to  the end. He will be missed. Please keep the Evans family in your thoughts and prayers as  they go through this difficult time.”

Evans was mayor from 2008-2016.  His funeral will be Monday, May 22 at 11AM at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 301 Broad Street in Selma.