Joseph M Lewis Sr.

Joseph Marvin Lewis, Sr., the oldest of four children was born in Washington, DC on January 17, 1939, to the late Jency Lewis Smith and Walter Dawson. He departed this life on February 11, 2021.

At the age of eight months, Joseph was taken to Springfield, Ga. to be raised on the farm by his grandparents. His next oldest brother was taken, at the age of 10 months, to Springfield, Ga to be raised on the farm. His grandparents were getting older and needed help with the farm work. His younger siblings were raised in Washington, DC.

Joseph started school, in the first grade, at age five and was a good student. At the age of twelve, Joseph accepted Christ and was baptized at Springfield Baptist Church (Springfield, Ga.).

He started working his first job (cutting pulp wood) at the age of 13 and has been employed ever since. At age 15, Joseph and a friend quit school during the Christmas break of their senior year and moved to Bradenton, Florida where they worked and supported themselves for 2 ½ years. They quit school because the State of Georgia added the 12th grade to all high schools. Joseph and Tommy would have to attend school another year to graduate. However, there was no curriculum for the 12th grade. At age 17, they tried to enlist in the Navy but there was no one to sign for them.

On his 18th birthday, Joseph enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he served for twenty years. While stationed in Maryland Joseph met and married Carolyn G. Lewis. They were blessed with a son and a daughter: Talania A. Lewis and Joseph M. Lewis, Jr. While in the service, Joseph completed high school and graduated from the Community College of Baltimore while stationed in Maryland. It took seven years part-time. He then attended Coppin State College, Towson State University and The University of Texas at Austin. While stationed in Virginia a Minister friend encouraged Joseph to study Religion with him at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He enrolled and graduated in 1993 with a degree in Religion.

Joseph joined the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in August 1989. He served on several church ministries and President of the Mt. Lebanon Federal Credit Union.

He leaves us with memories to cherish.