Jerry Rutha Lewis

Jerry Rutha Braxton Lewis, the Matriarch of the Braxton Family, was born on June 8, 1944 in Earle, Arkansas to Vernita Hightire Braxton and Otis Charles Braxton. She graduated from Dunbar High School in 1962 in Earle, Arkansas. Jerry confessed a hope in Christ and dedicated her Life to Jesus Christ at an early age. 

Jerry Rutha Braxton Lewis met the one and only love of her life, Fredie Lee Lewis and the United in Holy Matrimony on June 3, 1962. To this union were born 4 children. 

At an early age, Jerry Rutha learned the meaning of hard work. She began with laboring on her family farm and fields, and eventually transitioning to factories, General Electric and Tee Pak, nursing homes, as a CNA, and restaurants, as a good service worker. She worked at Danville School District #118. 

In 1976, Jerry Rutha graduated from Danville Beauty School as a licensed cosmetologist and continued in this profession for 35 years. 

Jerry Rutha had various hobbies, singing, working in her garden, fishing, cooking, sewing, helping others and going to rummage sales. 

She loved the Lord with all of her heart, mind and soul, followed by her husband, children, grandchildren and family, all specifically in that order. Her favorite saying was “The Lord Knows”.  

Jerry Rutha would do anything to make sure her family and children were taken care of. She loved them dearly. She was a righteous woman that feared the Lord and no one else. 

Jerry Rutha was an active and faithful member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years.  She was the president of the senior choir for 8 years, secretary of the Prayer Team Club, Usher Board Member, President of the Laura Lee Jolly Senior Club, Secretary of the Douglas Elementary School P.T.A., Vermilion County Election Judge, and volunteered in the school district as needed. Jerry Rutha gave herself to be used of the Lord, her family, and her community.  

She enjoyed reading the Bible, praying and working on crossword puzzles. 
 

Jerry Rutha Braxton Lewis transitioned from her earthly dwelling on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at OSF Urbana. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her 4 children, one daughter, Henrietta (Timothy) Wise, three sons, Edward Lewis, Trevor (Sue) Lewis, and Frederick (Brandi) Lewis, a stepson, Wesley (Phyllis) Parks, 9 grandchildren, Devonte, Johnathan, Alexis, Jarred, Jacob, Wesley Jr., Lauren, Leah, Frederick Jr., Lillian, and London, 4 great grandchildren, Jamiana, Jayden, Jeremiah, and Jul’Leon, 5 brothers, Samuel (Linda) Braxton, Charles (Donna) Braxton, Albert Hightire, Earle Braxton, and Lee Manuel (Lisa) Hightire, 4 sisters, Earlene Elbert, Ruthie Lee (Clyde) Matthews, Queen (London) King, and Dorothy (Kenneth) White, 2 stepsisters, Mattie Mae Tate and Autherine Perry, a special dear friends, Lillie Calloway, The Get Along Crew, Ms. Ida Petty, Mrs. Lillie Calloway, Mrs. Jerry Chapman, Mrs. BB Hale, Mrs. Owen Nelson and Mrs. Tillie Petty, a mother in law of 59 years, Mrs. Mary Lewis and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, 7 brothers and 4 sisters.  

Jerry Rutha Braxton Lewis will be missed physically but spiritually she’ll never be forgotten. “The Lord knows, absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”. 

A Homegoing Celebration will commence at 11:00 am on Saturday May 22, 2021 at New Life Church of Faith  1419 North Bowman Ave. Danville, Illinois 61832. Eulogist: Rev. Dr. Lucius Barber. Burial Spring Hill Cemetery 
A  Public viewing will be held on  Friday, May 21, 2021 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 East Williams Street Danville, IL 61832.

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