Evelyn Jean Lewis

Evelynn Jean Lewis, 74, of St. Joseph, entered the gates of heaven, on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003. She is now dancing, singing, and laughing on the streets of glory?? pain free. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sun., Dec.7, at 2:00PM, at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Rd., Stevensville, with Rev. Gordon Barry officiating. Cremation will follow with burial of ashes at a later date at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sat., Dec. 6 from 2:00-5:00PM, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service or to the Stevensville United Methodist Church. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence, or to sign the family guest book, may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Evelynn was born on March 31, 1929, in Duncan, OK, the only child of George and Esther (Eckstetd) Thomas. Fifty-six years ago, on August 28, 1947, in Sayre, OK, she married Jackie Eugene ?Gene? Lewis. They lived in Oklahoma until 1965 when they moved to Stevensville. Evelynn was a compassionate and loving daughter, wife, mom, and nana. She made every holiday and life accomplishment a warm celebration. Evelynn?s God given gifts were hospitality, compassion and service. She was always there with food, cards, time, and a smile for those in need. More importantly she had ears for listening, arms full of hugs, and words of wisdom or encouragement. Many of her years were spent as a housewife and mom. Later she worked as a teacher?s aide at Gard School in St. Joseph and in a resource room in Monroe. She retired in 1988 after twenty years of caring for children with special needs. She was always active in her church, especially the Stevensville United Methodist Church Choir. She has been a member of the P.E.O. organization since 1947, and was a member of Chapter DG in St. Joseph. Many hours of time and compassion were volunteered at Lakeland Hospital, blood drives, a 40 gallon donor, and Relay For Life. Evelynn was a nine year cancer survivor. She is survived by her husband Gene Lewis; two daughters, Kerry Lewis of Stevensville and Chylon (Nick) Poluhanycz of Baroda; and two grandchildren, Grant and Katherin Poluhanycz. Evelynn was preceded in death by her parents, George and Esther; in-laws Bill and Virgie (Chapin) Lewis; and sister-in-law Mable (Fairless) Lewis. The absence of Evelynn?s loving kindness will be missed and cherished forever by family and friends.