Mary Ella Lewis

Mary Ella Miller Lewis, 89, passed away peacefully at her home on August 21, 2023 in Thomasville, Ga. She was born on October 11, 1933 in Barwick, Ga. She was the daughter of the late John Anthony Miller and Osie Ella Miller of Brooks County. Mary Ella graduated from Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Ga in 1952 where she was a member of the Tri-Hi-Y and Commercial Club. She was Vice-President of the 4-H Club, typist for the Campus Commentator and was on the Pines Yearbook staff. Mary Ella married the late Lavone Lewis on September 27, 1952 and they were happily married for 62 years. She worked as a teller at the Bank of Thomas County and also was a switchboard operator for Sunnyland Foods before joining the family-owned business, Lewis Produce, until she retired. Mary Ella was a member of First Newark Baptist Church where she served as a librarian, enjoyed singing in the choir, taught Sunday School, Girls In Action and Vacation Bible School. She made so many wonderful memories with her church family and they all held a very special place in her heart. Mary Ella was preceded in death by both of her brothers, John T. Miller and James Anthony "Jimmy" Miller. Mary Ella was the beloved Mother to her son Tony Lewis (Cindy) and daughters, Diane Lewis Gammons (Mike) of Thomasville, Ga and Marcia Lewis Scanlan (Stephen) of Saint George Island, Fl. She was lovingly called "Grannie" by her 7 grandchildren, Jason Lewis (Brandi), Kristy Gammons Rhoden (Brad), Brad Lewis, Dana Hayes King (Chris), Bridgett Gammons Bowen (Conner), Lauren Lewis Whitfield (Fred), Megan Lewis Towell (James) and also by her 12 great-grandchildren, Hannah Lewis Hopkins (Tyler), Marissa Hudson, Erin Lewis, Lilly King, Andrew Rhoden, Hayes King, Phillip Bowen, Mary Ella Bowen, Rowyn Lewis, Lewis Towell, Stewart Whitfield, Ellis Kate Towell. Mary Ella is further survived by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. Her memorial service will be held Saturday, August 26, at First Newark Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia at 2:00 p.m., and the family will receive friends beginning one hour prior. A brief interment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens. Reverend Steve Brooks and Pastor Mike Keown will be officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Mary Ella Lewis to Newark Baptist Church, 225 Russell Road, Thomasville, Ga. 31757. Family and friends are invited to visit her online tribute page at www.allenfh.com