Obituary of Henry Lewis

Henry Rogers Lewis Jr. was born on February 17, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the son of the late Henry Rogers Lewis Sr. from New Orleans, Louisiana and Ethel Beatrice Clark Lewis from Ft. Gibson, Mississippi. He was baptized at 12 years old at 5th African Baptist Church by the late Reverend R. Bemis in New Orleans, Louisiana and re-baptized in Israel in the River Jordan by Preacher Larry Burbacher, Senior Minister at Faith Assembly of God Church. He attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington High school in 1962. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 17. While stationed in London, England, he met his future wife Paulette Eugenie Chin and married in 1973 at the age of 27. They were married for 40 years and adopted three beautiful children, Amanda, John, and James. He was also a caring foster parent for over 13 years. Henry joined the Donald E. Jones Masonic Lodge #121 in London, England in 1970. He was a Shriner and a 32nd degree Master Mason. His brotherhood was about being role models and mentors in the community as well as giving back with pride and humbleness. In 1973, he was instrumental in starting an Eastern Star chapter as well as New Hope Church of God and Christ in Great Falls, Montana. Henry was cared for and respected by everyone that crossed his path. In 1997, he graduated from Trident Technical College with a degree in Business Administration. Then he pursued his passion for Business and leading people in the right direction. He was always about education. Henry became a part of many organizations with the determination of being a good role model and a leader. He was a prominent figure in the city of Summerville. He was a part of the Summerville Rotary Club, many Chambers of Commerce, a board member of the Pineland Group Home, S.C.O.R.E. council, Faith Assembly Filipino ministry, and countless others. Henry never complained, he would give his all even during his illness. Cancer was just another obstacle that he was determined to not let stop him from his calling for helping others. His faith and love for the Lord never wavered. He was called home December 2, 2013 at 5:40 AM and was received with open arms into the pearly gates of Heaven. He was on his way to a doctor’s appointment but was called home by our God, the great physician, for a greater appointment that he couldn’t miss. He is survived by his loving wife, Paulette Lewis of Ladson, SC. His three children, Amanda Lewis of Atlanta, GA, John Lewis of Ladson, SC, and James Lewis of Seattle, WA. His granddaughter Cierra Prioleau of Canton, GA. As well as his brother James Howard and his wife Morra Howard of La Place, LA and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In honor of Henry Lewis we have set up a Henry Lewis foundation. This Foundation will be split between his favorite charities for cancer research and multiple sclerosis research and to the Filipino ministries to help with the Tsunami disaster that recently struck them. Both of these illnesses touch very close to home as Henry died from a rare kind of cancer known to less than 5% of the population and my brother is fighting M.S. every day as we speak. If you would like to donate to the Henry Lewis Foundation, we have partnered with Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union where you can donate any amount to account number 547344490012. We appreciate you all. Thank you. Visitation for Mr. Lewis will take place on Saturday, December 14 from 10:00AM – 11:00AM at Faith Assembly Church (337 Farmington Road, Summerville SC 29483). Funeral services celebrating his life will follow immediately after visitation at 11:00AM. Military honors will be rendered following the funeral services. Arrangements are by Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services.