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Lexa Allin Sutherland, President and Owner of the American Institute of Massage Therapy from 1987 to 2004, fell asleep in death, at age 58, on March 10, 2005 in Pompano Beach, Florida. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2004 and fought a brief but courageous battle with the disease.

Lexa was born in Greenville, Texas on November 20, 1946 to Martin (Mark) and Juanita Allin. She is survived by her beloved husband of eight years, Michael S. Sutherland, her father and sister, Rita Allin of Boliver, Tennessee and two nieces, Gwenevere and Dorena Schuster. In the summer of 2004, Lexa sold her school to enter semi-retirement and she and her family enjoyed travel to Europe and Israel. She was predeceased by her mother on December 7, 2003.

An avid student of life, Lexa excelled as a deeply loved teacher, mentor and friend to all who knew her. She graduated from Miami-Dade Community College, Uchee Pines Institute, Trinity College, and the American Holistic School of Massage, which she purchased and renamed in May 1987. From Trinity College she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Human Resources. She held licenses in Massage and Colon Therapy, and Nutrition Counseling. In support of her professions, she was an active member and Chair of various organizations at national, state and local levels. She faithfully served the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as a Prison Ministries Chaplain, Health and Temperance Leader, Adventist Community Services Director, Lay Evangelist, Sabbath School teacher and numerous other posts for over thirty years.

Serving the Lord and sharing His love was Lexa's deepest passion. Her exemplary life particularly reached the hearts of her students and staff at her school, whom she infused with her knowledge and enthusiasm for spiritual and physical health. She was a renowned speaker and presenter for numerous religious and community organizations and volunteered countless hours to a diversity of humanitarian causes. She was best known for opening her heart and home to those in need and unselfishly imparting her gift of counseling.

The family is thankful for the many friends that ministered to Lexa during her illness. Special appreciation is expressed to her sister, Rita and dear friend, Pamela Lane, for their loyal dedication and recent untiring service to Lexa.

In remembrance of Lexa, a Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the Pompano Beach Seventh-day Adventist Church, 954-782-7182, located at 3401 NE 3rd Avenue, Pompano Beach, on Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 2:00 PM. Fellowship and a light buffet will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lexa Sutherland Memorial Fund. Checks should be made payable to Michael Sutherland, and sent to American Institute of Massage Therapy, 416 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060. For further information please visit www.tributetolexa.faithweb.com.