On Sunday, August 18, 2024, our beloved Mary Elizabeth Lewis , known to many as "Ms. Mary" transitioned from labor to reward and began her eternal rest in the arms of our Savior. Mary's legacy reflects a life rich in love, dedication, and resilience.

On November 28, 1935, in Spotsylvania, Virginia, Ms. Mary was born to the late Mr. Charles Lewis, and Nettie Belle Robinson. She was born into a family with her three brothers which shaped her strong, and loving character.

Mary was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) and was baptized at a young age. She also frequently attended Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site).

Mary was educated at the Walker-Grant School of the Fredericksburg City School System and graduated from its high school in 1955. She always loved her alma mater, and she was a proud member of the Walker-Grant Alumni Association (WGAA).

After graduating from high school, Ms. Mary ventured up north to New Jersey where she enrolled in business school. Later, she moved to New York where she worked while finishing business school.

Subsequently, Mary returned to Fredericksburg with her precious daughter, Phyllis. They were later joined by her beloved son, Warren. Mary's children were her absolute joy. She was extremely proud of her children, their accomplishments, and she was most proud to be a grandmother. If you knew Ms. Mary, you knew how precious her grandson, Cooper, was to her.

Ms. Mary had a strong work ethic throughout her life, which she also emphasized to her children. After returning to Fredericksburg, she had several jobs, including service as a clerk with the B&O Grocery store in downtown Fredericksburg, employment at the ILM Corporation in Fredericksburg, and employment with the United States National Science Foundation in Arlington from which she retired in 2006. Not one to simply become idle after retirement, her strong work ethic led her to seek employment at Walmart in Fredericksburg until her health failed her at age 86.

Despite her strong work ethic which kept her busy, she was an avid fan of sports who always found time to follow her favorite teams. We cannot forget that she was a great die-hard fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend. All who knew her would agree that she passionately loved her family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Mr. Charles Lewis; her mother, Nettie Robinson; her brothers, Theodore Lewis, Richard Lewis, and Donald Lewis; and her precious children, Phyllis and Warren Lewis.

She leaves to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy of love, her grandson, Cooper Lewis of Baltimore, MD; her caregiver and niece, Dawn "Beth" Lewis, of Columbus, OH; her niece, Nancy Lewis, of Santa Ana, CA; her niece, Gloria Ennis (Lavandell), of Fredericksburg, VA; her nephew, Richard Lewis, Jr. of Martinsburg, WV; her daughter-in-law, Maureen Lewis, of Baltimore, MD; and a host of other relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 12:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 12:30 PM. Click here to view the funeral service program. Click here to view a presentation in honor of the life of Mary Elizabeth Lewis. The interment will be held at Shiloh Cemetery.