Eugene J. Sewell

On Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the appointed time, the Lord’s clock tolled for one of His precious children, and Eugene Jerome Sewell departed this earthly life and walked peacefully into the arms of his God.

Born June 29, 1948, Eugene was the youngest of three children born to Thomas L. Sewell, Jr. and Elizabeth Barnes Sewell of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother, Thomas L. Sewell III. Eugene married Sandra D. Turner on December 8, 1990.

Eugene attended Cincinnati Public Schools where he was very studious and athletic. At Withrow High School he excelled in track and field (hurdles) and basketball. He earned a full athletic scholarship to Fisk University in Nashville, TN. His sports included basketball and Track & Field. He excelled in the high jump, which was his specialty. Eugene also pledged Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Eta Psi Chapter in 1969. He made his presence known on and off campus and if you attended any Fisk Football Games, Homecoming or Boat Rides you were touched by the explosive energy of Gene and his brother Big Al. It is the opinion of many Fiskites that Eugene was a bright light; an integral piece of Fisk culture, who through great entertainment created fond memories for generations of Fisk Alumni.

A dedicated student and avid learner, Eugene received his Bachelor of Science degree from Fisk University in 1972 and later went on to receive his Master’s, Education Specialist Degree and Doctorate in Education Administration from Tennessee State University. He was a devoted long term professional educator for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools as a Teacher, Coach and Administrator for forty-three years. He always said his true calling was “teaching”. Many times when he was out in the community, former students would approach him to let him know how he impacted and changed their lives through his inspiring words in the classroom and leadership on the field as their coach. His teaching skills went beyond the classroom and into the church.

Eugene accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age and was baptized at Zion Baptist Church, Cincinnati, OH. Nashville, TN became his home after graduating from Fisk University. Then he united with Jackson Street Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Deacon, Trustee and became an Ordained Minister. Recently Eugene and Sandra joined Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church. The calling on Eugene’s life was very impactful to his family. He guided family members to a better understanding of the Bible and insight of the value of walking with the Lord.

Eugene loved hunting, fishing, nature, studying the Bible, reading and meditation and especially, Sandra. Eugene and Sandra were married for 33 years and enjoyed family time, grilling in their backyard, traveling, caring for their pets and truly enjoying the comforts of their home. Often Eugene could be found sitting on the back porch gazing into the woods. He also loved watching old Westerns like Gunsmoke, The Rifleman and Bonanza.

Eugene would not want anyone to mourn, because he’s with Jesus now! To celebrate and cherish his memory is his wife Sandra, daughter Barbara Jean Coleman, brother Al (Belinda), sisters-in-law Belinda (EK) Patterson and Rhonda Turner, Uncle Allen Cox, grandsons De’Mico (Tiffany) Coleman Sr., Staff Sgt. Terrell Coleman and Mark Andrews, Jr., five great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, a host of family members and dear friends that loved and admired “Uncle Gene”.