Essie Mae Lewis

Essie Mae Francis Lewis What Are We ‘Gonna’ Do Now? ____________________________________________________ Essie Mae Francis Lewis, known as “Miss Mary,” was born Saturday, February 27, 1943, in Wadley, Georgia, daughter of Mildred Lewis and the late Emmanuel Lewis. In the early 1960’s, Essie and her four children moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she remained until the Lord called her home. Essie was a woman who loved people. She was always ready to cook and feed everyone and anyone; it didn’t matter to her where you came from. She loved to have fun and be with family and friends. One thing we all knew, though, was that Miss Mary had no problem letting you know how she felt about things. She was a great listener to the many people who trusted her and talked with her about many things on their minds and hearts. She was an encourager to those struggling or in need always willing to give her last if it would help someone that day. She always gave you the truth, and this was usually just what you needed at the time. On Saturday, November 24, 2012, at her home in Harrisburg, she passed from the labors of her earthly journey to her reward of life eternal. She leaves to cherish special memories and emulate her strength, wisdom, loving and generous spirit, her mother, Mildred Lewis; her siblings, Odessa Lewis, Emmanuel Lewis and Rosa Lewis, all of Harrisburg; her children, Willie James Lewis Sr. of Phoenix, Arizona, Mary Lavon Lewis, Moses Kelly Jr. and Vonett Lewis, all of Harrisburg; eighteen grandchildren, Ismail A. Lewis, Ishag A. Lewis, Willie James Lewis Jr., Maryaum K. Lewis, Ibrahiim A. Lewis, Najiyla A. Lewis-Cooke, Malik A. Lewis, Yusuf A. Lewis, Moses Kelly III, Motika Kelly, Nisa Kelly-Johnson, Lamar Brown Jr. Robert D. Lewis, Robbie D. Lewis, Latifa A. Brown, Kevin B. Lewis, Ryan N. Lewis, Duan Williams; eighteen great grandchildren, Dynasty Brown-Williams, Legacee` Williams, Djuan Williams, Legend Williams, Ry`anah N. Lewis, Lamar Brown III, La`ron Brown, Lanazia Brown, La`Myah J. Brown, Nyomee Lewis, Leilah Lewis, Nasir Lewis, Camir Lewis, Iasha Lewis, Hannah Lewis, Isiah Lewis, King Jamar Dawson, Ishmial Lewis; in-laws, other relatives and friends. Today, “Essie,” “Miss Mary,” “Sister,” “Daughter,” “Mom,” “Granny,” however you knew her or by whatever name you called her, is with the Lord in Glory because she knew and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She would say to us, today, “Be encouraged, be strong, be loving; and, most of all, be found in Jesus on that day because tomorrow is not promised to you. Now I know a place where ain’t nobody crying, ain’t nobody worried, and now I can rest.”

Tributes

Essie Mae Lewis

February 27, 1943 - November 24, 2012