Evelyn Theresa Sallah

Evelyn Theresa Sallah was born on November 26, in the 1940's in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She was the oldest of three girls and the beloved daughter of Joyce Collier-Lawson and Hymanson Lawson. Evelyn received her early education at Annie Walsh Primary School and Girls Methodist Secondary School, institutions that helped shape her strong foundation, discipline, and lifelong love of learning.

A defining moment in Evelyn’s life came when her great-uncle, Gashon-Collier, brought her to the United States, offering her the opportunity to pursue higher education and build a new future. She settled in Yonkers, New York, where she continued her undergraduate studies and later met the love of her life, Alieu Momodou Sallah. Together, they built a remarkable partnership rooted in love, shared purpose, and service.

Evelyn and Alieu raised four children while both pursuing global careers in international development. As a family, they lived and served abroad through the United Nations in Botswana, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. These years were marked by adventure, sacrifice, cultural richness, and a deep commitment to family—values Evelyn carried proudly throughout her life.

Evelyn retired after over 20 years as a dedicated international development practitioner. Her distinguished career included service with numerous organizations, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the United Nations system, where she held several finance department roles. Her assignments included work with the Institute for Namibia, UNOPS in New York, and peacekeeping missions in Mozambique and Georgia during the 1990s. Through her professional journey, Evelyn had the rare honor of interacting with world leaders, including former President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda, the late Pope John Paul II, and the late former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Evelyn was first and foremost a wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of faith. As a devoted Anglican, she was an avid churchgoer and, even in retirement, served faithfully as an elder in the Presbyterian church. Her faith sustained her throughout her life, and her favorite hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” reflected the gratitude, trust, and devotion that defined her spiritual journey.

Evelyn was a fighter—strong, resilient, and unwavering in spirit. She was lively, energetic, and full of life.. Family was her greatest pride and purpose, and she loved deeply and selflessly. Her journey as a Sierra Leonean immigrant in the US was a primary focus for her life journey. She was proud of her roots, proud of her decision to immigrate to the United States, and raise her children in the US-she was proud of the life she built through courage, perseverance, and faith.

Evelyn is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Alieu M. Sallah; her four children, Alieu B. Sallah, Pa-Momodou Sallah, Joyce Sallah, and Evelyn Lena Sallah; and her grandson, Kodjo Daniel Goddard.

She lived with purpose, loved fiercely, and fought bravely even during her last days. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of strength, service, faith, and love will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

A private Celebration of Life Service will be held on the morning of February 7, 2026.

Flowers and Prayers welcomed