Mary Evelyn Rogers Sexton

Mary Evelyn Rogers Sexton, 74, of Powell, TN, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, November 16, 2024. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Clarence Sexton. She is survived by her two sons, Shannon (Kristi) Sexton and Matthew (Rhonda) Sexton; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Evelyn is also deeply mourned by a host of students, church members, and friends whose lives she touched with her kindness, prayer, and encouragement.

Evelyn was born on December 19, 1949, in Maryville, Tennessee, to Alvie and Lucille Rogers. After the tragic death of her father when she was just five years old, Evelyn and her older brother, Charles, were raised by their godly mother, Lucille Rogers Caughron. She met her future husband, Clarence Sexton while attending Everett High School, and they were married on February 15, 1967. As newlyweds, they began attending Forest Hills Baptist Church, where God began a powerful work in Clarence’s heart, which would shape the direction of their lives and ministry.

To know Evelyn was to be loved by her. For 56 years, she faithfully served the Lord by her husband’s side, demonstrating the love and grace of Jesus Christ to all who crossed her path. As a model pastor’s wife, she devoted her life to ministry, exemplifying Christlike kindness, humility, and service. Evelyn and Clarence served together in Greenback, TN, Lenoir City, TN, Chattanooga, TN, and later in Paterson, NJ, where their work at Madison Avenue Baptist Church saw tremendous growth. The Lord led them back to East Tennessee in 1988 when Clarence accepted the pastorate of Temple Baptist Church in Powell.

Together with her beloved husband Clarence, Evelyn founded The Crown College, where she became a second mother to countless students over the years and, later, a second grandmother to many. Her influence reached across the United States and the world as she lived out her calling to love her family, love the Lord, and lead others to faith in Jesus Christ.

Evelyn’s life of quiet service touched more lives than could ever be fully counted, and eternity will reveal the many hearts she impacted with her gentle spirit and unwavering faith. Through her example, she taught everyone she knew how to serve others selflessly, with love and compassion. Her life was a testament to the power of God’s love and the impact one faithful servant can have on the world. She is now in the presence of the Savior she loved and served so faithfully, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Baptist Church in Powell, TN, on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 6:00 pm. Gifts for Pastor & Evelyn Sexton’s monument commemorating their life & ministry can be given to the Temple Baptist Church (Memorial Fund) or donations may be made at: https://everloved.com/life-of/mary-sexton/ Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berrylynnhurst.com