Updated

A family spokeswoman says Evelyn Lowery, the wife of civil rights leader the Rev. Joseph Lowery, has died. She was 88.

Relatives say she died at her home Thursday morning. She had been hospitalized since Sept. 18 after suffering a severe stroke. The family says she returned home after medical experts said she had suffered irreversible damage.

The Rev. Joseph Lowery, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, says in a statement to The Associated Press that his wife was committed to service. Lowery says the family has been overwhelmed by continuous outpourings of love, support and prayers.

Evelyn Lowery founded SCLC/WOMEN Inc. in 1979. The group works to empower women, girls and families.