Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
Edna Lastine
Lewis
Oct 22, 1919 — Nov 14, 2020
Edna L. Lewis was born October 22, 1919, in Anniston, AL to the blessed union of Henry Preston and Willie Mae Cherry. She was the first of twelve children and was preceded in death by both parents and nine siblings. She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin R Lewis Sr. and daughter, Judith A. McCallop (Roy).
Edna received her education in the Anniston Public Schools. There she met and married Martin R Lewis, September 5, 1937, and at the time of his death they had been married for seventy-two years.
When her husband's job moved him to Kansas City, she and her two oldest, Martin Jr. and Carolyn accompanied him there. Following their move to Kansas City from Anniston, AL in the early 1940's, Edna opened her home as a refuge for many of her eleven brothers and sisters. By doing this Edna and her husband Martin facilitated the family's migration to the north. Her family knew they could count on Edna for a welcoming place to come to when they reached her home.
Edna was the provider of stability for the family during the difficult early years in Kansas City. During World War II the family worked through some tough financial times. Edna always kept a positive attitude and instilled a can-do work ethic to her children.
To subsidize their growing family, Martin and Edna started a family business, "Lewis' Lawn Service." The only employees were sons and grandsons and the business lasted over 25 years. Edna's positions in the business were CEO, accountant, and payroll clerk. She also assisted some of the sons, with banking.
Later in life, Edna was drawn to a career for herself. She studied and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She specifically did private Duty Work, where she determined which jobs she would work out of KU Medical Center. As a LPN she provided bedside care, made patients comfortable, and took vital signs. She recorded patients' progress and helped bedridden and other patients with personal hygiene assisting with bathing and dressing as well as patients' emotional well-being. Wanting to give the best care she could, Edna took and passed a course in pharmacology so that she would be able to administer medication.
Edna Lewis accepted the Lord at a young age and became a faithful member of the Church of God. She served in the Women's Missions Society, sang in Choir, was Sunday School Superintendent, established a Children's Church, served as a Deaconess, and was on the Finance Board. These were just outlets for the love she had for our Savior Jesus Christ.
On October 19, 2019, the family celebrated Edna's 100 th Birthday. Family and friends from various locations over the country came to celebrate her. The youngest of her siblings were in attendance. Many niece and nephews who affectionately called her "Ant Edna," and grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called her "Molly" were in attendance. Edna left quite a legacy of love and admiration.
Edna L. Lewis departed this life November 14, 2020. She leaves to cherish her memory: seven children, Martin R. Lewis Jr. (Bobbi) of Leland, NC, Carolyn M. Carter (Donald Sr. decd.) of Lee's Summit, MO, Harold L. Lewis Sr. (Minnie P) of KCMO, Ronald D. Lewis (Deborah) of Shawnee, KS., Wanda A. Haynes (Elmer) of Raytown, MO, John G. Lewis Sr. (Benithy) of Lee's Summit, MO, Joseph F. Lewis (Lillian) of Desoto, TX; and a sister, Marilyn Wylie (James decd.) and a brother Alfred Cherry; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services for Mrs. Lewis will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Bethel Family Worship Center. Burial Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the church.
Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL.
Saturday
Bethel Family Worship Center
10:00 - 11:00 am
Saturday
Bethel Family Worship Center
Starts at 11:00 am
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors