Obituary of Walter H Lewis Sr ~ 1999

Transcribed by Joan S Dunn

Source: Asheville Citizen-Times Sep 17 1999





AUSTIN, TEXAS - Walter H. Lewis Sr., 78, died Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1999, 
after a long illness.  
Walter was born in Oriental, N.C., on Aug. 9, 1921 to the late William T. 
and Melissa Lewis. He grew up in New Bern and attended NC A&T State 
University in Greensboro on a full football scholarship.  
Excelling in fine arts and sports, Walter began his career at Stephens-Lee 
High School in 1946. In addition to serving as an art teacher at Stephens-
Lee, he also was an assistant football coach. In Asheville, Walter met a 
fellow teacher, Lillie Davis, whom he married in 1950. After teaching for 
more than a decade, he and Lillie moved their family to Cleveland, Ohio in 
1961 to further their careers. A talented painter, his works were 
commissioned by schools, churches, and private citizens for over four 
decades. He retired as Art Chairman of John F. Kennedy High School in 
1987. Walter was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.  
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie in 1981. 
He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Walter H. and Blyss Lewis Jr. 
of Austin, Texas daughter and son-in-law, Regina Fe and Steven Barboza of 
New York City grandson, Hasan Benjamin Lewis granddaughter, Chandra Malika 
Lewis his second wife, Sabina Alexander Lewis of Greensboro brothers, 
Gilbert Lewis of New York, and Harvard Lewis of New Bern sister, Sadie 
Adams of New Bern stepmother, Rosetta Lewis of New Bern several nieces, 
nephews, and friends of the Asheville area with whom he maintained 
contact.  
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Clinton Chapel AME 
Zion Church, 1015 Church St. New Bern.  
Services are provided by Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home, 701 West St., New 
Bern, NC 28650.



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