Obituary of Mother Ruth Lewis

The sun rose on the life of Mother Ruth Lewis on January 25, 1930 in Beaumont, Texas when she was born to John Mark Nelson and Octavene Collins. The youngest of fifteen children, she grew up with six brothers, Nathaniel, Andrew, Joseph, Eldridge, Eugene and Burlingson and four sisters, Doretha, Nancy, Clara and Linda. Ruth received her basic education in the public school system and continued her education attending and finishing "Beauty School" where she studied Cosmetology. On November 27, 1949, Mother Ruth was united in holy matrimony with Willie E. Lewis, Sr. whom she met in Ft. Worth, Texas. The couple exchanged their vows in Los Angeles, California. Mother Ruth was the proud and loving mother of eight children, David, Shirley, Daniel, William, Willie, Ida, Ruthie and Rufus. The children remember, "Mom loved puzzles and games. Her favorites were Monopoly, dominoes and Aggravation, but mostly just spending the time with us." In later years, her grandchildren, Tuesday, Wendy, David, Dorcus, Vida, Carmel, Delilah, Imani, Jacquis, Mercedes, Omar, Aaron, Barry, Quinton, Jeremiah, Nicholas, Ashley, Amber, Michael and Tyler were a special joy in her life. They loved their "Grandma" dearly. A woman of faith, Mother Ruth was a member of God's Community who enjoyed attending church. In her free time, she enjoyed family, friends and attending church. Her best friends, Ms. Jean, Helen Baylor, Ms. Margie and Ms. Willowby will always fondly remember her laughter and her enjoyment of life. Mother Ruth loved all colors and her favorite flowers were daisies, roses and carnations. She most enjoyed listening to gospel music and her favorite recording artist, Mahalia Jackson. Her love, her caring, nurturing and joy of life will be deeply missed by all who have shared a part of this wonderful lady's life. To know Mother Ruth was to love her. The sun set on the life of Mother Ruth Lewis on September 17, 2016 when the Lord called her home to eternal rest. She is preceded in death by her husband, Willie; son, Willie, Jr.; parents, and several siblings. She is survived by her children, David, Shirley, Daniel, William, Ida, Ruthie and Rufus, brothers, Eldridge and Eugene, 21 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 11 great great grand-children; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rest in peace...Mother Ruth.