Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15
Janet Lewis now lives by sight in the eternal presence of God. Walking with God from a young age, she made Jesus the Savior and Lord of her life at Zion Baptist Church. We have no doubt that He greeted her in heaven by saying, “Well done My good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21. Janet took pride in her family and at the age of 79 has joined her husband, Fletcher Lewis, at the gates of glory. She was also preceded in death by her parents Earl and Mable Ruth Marbury, a sister Clarice Overton, three brothers James Marbury, Edward Earl Marbury, and Flournoy Marbury. She was the youngest of five. She was also preceded in death by a nephew Chuck Overton, a niece Holly Marbury, and great nephew Mark Stephens. Her children, La Rita Gillispie (Jim Gillispie) and Stephen Lewis (Angie Lewis), attribute their love for the Lord to their mother who faithfully raised them in church and taught them the ways of the Lord. Her grandchildren Lewis and Grace Gillispie and Sara Kate and Hunter Lewis cling to memories of weekends without parents spent frolicking on an ATV and learning to bake delicious desserts. From the time they were born, she was there for them. She is also survived by a cherished cousin Ursula Watson and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and was like a second mother to: Ann Overton, Marcia Overton, Linda Hatfield, Tim Marbury, Debbie Jones, Curtis Walker, David Walker, and Stacy Federico, and many great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a wonderful sister-in-law Leigh Lewis and nieces and nephews Brandy Lewis, Greg Meador, Gary Hardin, William Ray Hardin, and Shea Crawford. Janet had a tangible impact on her community. Baking thousands of loaves of bread, Janet demonstrated her love for people through generosity and acts of service. An active member and servant at Poplar Corner Baptist Church, she had a giving heart, and her favorite ministry was blessing others with a meal, bread, or cakes. Hundreds have been the recipients of Janet’s baking. If you have visited her, you left with a cake, bread, rolls, or jam. You might have been gifted with a cake or bread in your mailbox or hanging in a bag on a doorknob. Filling a large suitcase, her bread even traveled by plane to Arizona to bless others. Her talented cooking and baking skills were turned into a cookbook, a project she and her cousin worked on together to compile her favorite things- cooking, family stories, and pictures. She deeply desired for her family and friends to be loved, happy, and fed. She was born in Brownsville and lived in Brownsville all her life. She loved Brownsville dearly. She often told her children the benefits of living in a small town. She loved the small town feel of knowing everyone and being known- like a family. She loved the people here. Her friends were very special to her. Janet was the secretary and office manager for State Farm Insurance agents for 43 years. Life-long friendships emerged from her time there. She never met a stranger, loved to talk, and made everyone feel loved and welcomed. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This was Janet’s favorite verse since she was a child. It is obvious that the Lord used this verse in her life because she is the strongest person we know. Strength, perseverance, love, kindness, and having a servant’s heart all describe our mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. We love and miss her but are comforted by knowing Who she belongs to and where she is. Pallbearers include Lewis Gillispie, Hunter Lewis, David Walker, Charlie Overton, Cody Marbury, Alan Jones, and Stephen Federico. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11:00 at the Zion Baptist Church cemetery. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Poplar Corner Baptist Church, 1010 Boyd Ave., Brownsville, TN 38012 or the charity of the donor’s choice. All arrangements and services are under the direction of Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.
