Obituary of Joseph Lewis

Joseph Leonard "Joe" Lewis, age 77, departed this life on Friday, November 2, 2012 at his home in Columbia, Virginia following a long illness. A son of the late Harvey and Kate Lewis, was born on August 10, 1935, in Cumberland County, Virginia. At an early age he was converted baptized and joined Little Fork Baptist Church in Cartersville, Virginia. He also found time to join his twin sister for services at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Columbia, VA. Joseph started his education at St. Joseph's Mission School in Fluvanna County, Virginia. He later attended Cumberland County Public School in Cumberland, VA. At age 18, Joseph moved to New York City where he became a self-employed concrete worker. He enjoyed a successful career and met many interesting people. Joe shared his success by being generous toward others. In 1958, Joseph was joined in wedlock to Jean Webb who preceded him in death. In 1962 he married Ellen Anne Valentine who was with him until his passing. Joseph moved back to Virginia in 1988, and he continued to stay busy. He especially enjoyed gardening; until the late stages of his illness. His wife Ellen; daughters, Beverly and Sharon and son, Shawn cared for him until his passing. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John Lewis, George Lewis and Warner "Doc" Lewis; five sisters, Ethel Mitchell, Minnie Herrington, Helen Griffin, Katherine "Mamie" Scott and Sally Virginia Epps; six brothers-in-law, Booker Mitchell, Bob Herrington, Jervy Geddies, Alphonso Scott, Frank Griffin, and John Epps; a sister-in-law, Carrie Bell Lewis; a son-in-law, Tommy Blunt; and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Lewis. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ellen Ann Lewis; 3 sons, Kevin Valentine (Robin) of Charlotte, NC, Joey Lewis, of Brooklyn, NY and Shawn Lewis of Columbia, VA; 5 daughters, Angela Mayo (Stanley) of Brooklyn, NY, Selena Daniels, of Brooklyn, NY, Beverly Lewis of Farmville, VA, Sharon Lewis of Fork Union, VA and Catherine Webb of Brooklyn, NY; 15 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Harvey Lewis and James Lewis (Lillian); a twin sister, Josephine Geddies; a sister-in-law, Maddie Lewis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.