Frances Lewis

Frances Lewis, 87, was born to the late Rev. S.L. and Savannah Thigpen on May 5, 1933, in Taylorsville. God issued her golden wings to glory on Feb. 19, 2021, at her home in Lawrence County.
Mrs. Lewis met her first and only love, Willie Lewis, at the Rose Hill Baptist Church where her father was pastor. They married on April 23, 1949, and to this union, two sons were born, Herbert and Arnold; and one daughter, Gloria.
Mrs. Lewis was an active member of Pearl River Valley Baptist Church. Mrs. Lewis’ participation began when she married and established a household in Monticello. Mrs. Lewis was a Deaconess, Sunday school teacher, 4-H Club leader, and a member of the Home Demonstration Club of Lawrence County. Mrs. Lewis loved flowers, but her ultimate talent was learning to play the piano and organ. This talent was a dream that God gave to Mrs. Lewis after her children were born. Mrs. Lewis exercised this talent at the Rose Hill Baptist Church, Pearl River Valley Baptist Church, and Monticello First Baptist for many years, serving as a musician and choir director.
Mrs. Lewis attended the Smith County Training School until she married. Mrs. Lewis secured her GED from Lawrence County Schools. Mrs. Lewis learned to sew by taking night classes at McCullough High School under Mrs. Addison. Mrs. Lewis’ last job outside of her home and church was as a librarian assistant.
Mrs. Lewis was preceded in death by her husband, Willie, who passed on Aug. 1, 1986; her parents; brothers; and sisters.
Mrs. Lewis’ survivors include her sons, Herbert (Patricia), of Baltimore, Md.; Arnold (Deborah), of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter, Gloria; grandchildren, Anquinnette, of Durham, N.C.; Steffanie, of Concord, N.C.; Shawn and Derrick, of the Dominican Republic; one great-granddaughter, Railyn, of Durham, N.C.; one brother-in-law, Joseph Patrick (Lynelle), of Oakland, Calif.; and a host of relatives and friends.
The family is deeply indebted to Mrs. Ruby Slay Sutton for the outstanding care given to her aunt and the aid given to the family over the last several years. The family is grateful to Mr. Scott Boyd and Mr. Mike McKennon who gave extraordinary support to Mrs. Lewis.