Deacon Joe Lewis Sr.

Deacon Joe Lewis Sr. lived a fruitful life. He was 88 years old when he went home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2025, at 2:15 a.m. while at home in Urbana, IL.

Born to the union of the late Sam and Clara (Fortney) Lewis on June 6, 1937, in Bolivar, MS, the 6th of 7 children (all but one brother precedes him in death).

He confessed his faith and trust in Christ at an early age at Eastern Star MB Church, which is now known as Peter’s Rock in Rosedale, MS.

In his teen years, he moved to Chicago and Kentucky for several years before moving back to MS. There he united in Holy Matrimony with Lucy Mae Jones on September 18, 1959 ( she precedes him in death). They then moved to Champaign, IL in 1960 and later to Urbana, where he lived until he passed. To this union were born 6 children and one child from previous relationships.

After moving to Urbana, he started working at Parkhill Motors as a mechanic after completing his training in Chicago at General Motors Training Center in 1966. He was the first Black mechanic to work for Parkhill and he worked there for 20 years before taking a job with the State of Illinois Garage, where he worked until he retired.

He attended Springfield Comm College from 1984 to 1986. While there he received two certificates from the Business Industry Development, the International Harvest Auto Motive & the Chrysler Motor.

He later went to ASE where he received a certificate for Auto Motive Tech April of 1992. He worked as a mechanic consultant for Shelton Lanudry.

He became a member of the United Supreme Council of the 32° degree of Southern & Western Masonic Jurisdiction on 8th day of Aug. 1991. He also became a Master Mason on 24th June 1992 at the St. James Grand Lodge (Hiram Lodge #10).

In the 1980’s he became a founding member of the Bells of Joy gospel group and later formed the Gospel Exciters .

When he moved to Urbana, IL with his family. They became members of the Morning Star Freewill Baptist Church. Here he remained for several years until he became a member of Jericho Missionary Baptist now known as Mt. Calvary, where he was a Deacon & Sunday school teacher for decades until illness prevented him from continuing both, which he loved.

He enjoyed working on cars,fishing, spending time with his grandchildren and cooking those famous sweet potato pies. ( took the secret recipe with him)

He leaves to cherish the memories , his children: Shirley Jones, Sam (Barbara )Hall, Barbara (Terry) Smith, Joann Lewis, Joe Lewis Jr., & Teresa Lewis; 15 grandchildren: Nakia (April), Wilbert , Tenisha, Dewahn, Brandon, Vontay , Shanice, Calysha, Tarris, Jasmine, Rachel, Sam,Darius and Blasia; 27 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 1 brother Harvey Lewis of Chicago and a host of family & friends; his best friend Deacon Porter Holcrombe, 3 brothers in Christ Deacon Danny Mitchell, Minister Larry McMillan & Rev. Robert Campbell.

He is preceded in death by his parents Sam & Clara, his wife Lucy, his daughter Clara, 1 brother Sam Jr , 4 sisters Hattie, Bea,Stella & Clark and 1 great grandson Jordan.

A visitation and musical tribute service will commence from 4:30pm - 7pm, on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home-Urbana.  

The celebration of life will begin at 10AM, Saturday, August 23 at Mt Calvary Baptist Church. Rev. Ronald Baker, Eulogist. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. 

Per the family’s wishes, please send all floral deliveries to the church on Saturday.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Joe Lewis Sr., please visit our floral store.