Geneva H. Lewis

Geneva H. Lewis, of New York, NY, passed away on June 3, 2014. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, George W. Lewis, her parents Robert and Rosa Hewitt. Siblings: Herbert, Lawrence, Pauline, Robert Jr., Evelyn and Neportia. Mrs. Lewis was born in Jenkinjones, West Virginia. She graduated from Kimball High School and West Virginia State University where she was President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She taught English and Music at Elkhorn High in Elkhorn, West Virginia for several years. Mrs. Lewis moved to New York City to continue her education and received a Master's Degree in Education from City College of The City University of New York. She was a remarkable teacher and taught elementary and high school in the New York City Public School system for over 30 years. She also taught some college courses. If you asked her what her favorite grade was, she replied "I loved them all". She viewed her profession as a place where not only knowledge can be taught, but a place where love can be sown. But it wasn't just her teaching that made her remarkable; it was how she lived her life every day. Over her years of residency in New York City, those who came to know Geneva Lewis as a neighbor, friend or shareholder, describe her as a generous and neighborly person, willing to help in needy situations and to extend kind gestures to others simply because she felt it was the right thing to do. Those qualities were, and still are, attested to by none other than her former students and colleagues, and especially her dearest pals and closest friends who knew her well. For Mrs. Lewis, teaching was not only a profession but a mission. She encouraged her students, friends and family to experience and try new things and adventures. Her passions included the love of the performing arts, music, concerts and traveling. One of her most memorable trips was deep-sea fishing with her beloved George in Bermuda and traveling to Puerto Rico, Africa, Mexico and Italy. During the years when her husband George was employed by the American Negro Theater (ANT) as props and sets technician, Gen was an active supporter of ANT productions, contributing her talents in music, art and other areas. Their team work brought opportunities for them to mix and mingle socially with performing artist who became highly successfully; some life-long friendships came out of their ANT experiences. Gen, as she is fondly called, leaves behind one brother, J. Samuel Hewitt of Raleigh, NC; nephew Ronald Hewitt Sr. of Detroit, Mich.; nephew Jeff (and wife Sharon) and nephew Kevin Waldon of Atlanta; great nephew Robert Hewitt of Detroit, Mich.; great nephew Jonathon Hewitt of Detroit, Mich.; great nephew M'Konto Hewitt of Detroit, Mich.; great nephew Ronald Hewitt Jr. (and his wife B.J.) of Atlanta; Nieces Yvonne Brown of Virginia Beach, Va., Linda Allen of Welch, West Virginia, Jacqueline Jennings of Biloxi, Mississippi, Serita Hewitt of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Kim Hewitt Greg of Hendersonville, NC, Vicki Hewitt-McNeil of Raleigh, NC, Brett Hewitt of Virginia Beach, NC, Maria Hewitt Moskos of Fremont, NC, Mona Ramseur of Bronx, NY, great niece Angela Ramseur of NY, great nephew Charles Ramseur of Texas and great nephew Clyde Ramseur of Brooklyn, NY. And a host of great great nieces, great great nephews and cousins. Gen will be deeply missed by her friends (including her dear friend for over 40 years, Nona Smith), colleagues and neighbors, and most of all, her loving family. What consoles us now, is the knowledge that she is back again in the embrace of her beloved George and Heavenly Father to enjoy the same love she gave throughout her life. Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, June 13, 2014 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Stateroom of Flanigan Funeral Home.