Submitted by: Dan Rich

Shirley Ann Lewis

May 12, 1938 - Sept. 2, 2000

South Bend Tribune 9/7/2000

Mrs. Shirley Ann Lewis, 62, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister who resided on North Meade Street, South Bend, Ind., passed away following a one-year illness at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2, in her residence. On May 12, 1938, in Mangham, La., she was born to the union of Frank and Lona (Gary) Runnells. Coming from Mangham, she had lived in South Bend since 1956.

She and Robert Lewis were united in wedlock in South Bend on July 19, 1969. Mrs. Lewis was a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church where she served as a member of the Vera Ganaway Circle, was a past member of the Gospel Chorus, and past director of the Youth Fellowship Choir. She was also a past member of the Household of Ruth, and was an active member of the Odessa Chapter #28, Order of Eastern Star, and the Wabash Assembly #68, Order of the Golden Circle.

Loving family members who survive along with her husband Robert are eight daughters, Terrion Gary of South Bend, Diane Jennings of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Debra (Jerald) Gant of Natichitoches, La., Nancy (LeRay) Shurn of San Diego, Calif., Roberta (Joey) Vanardo of Aurora, Colo., Marilyn Lewis of Houston, Texas, La Gatha Gary of Indianapolis, Ind., and Barbara (Jeff) Edwards of Hillside, Ill.; a son, Lorenzo (Mae) Gary of Union City, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; four sisters, Gatha Vaughn of South Bend, Katie Edwards of Harvey, Ill., Lucy Bates of Chicago and Alice (Jimmy) Dowell of San Bernardino, Calif.; three brothers, Percy (Jerri) Collins and Tom Collins, both of Oakland, Calif., and John Runnells of Montgomery, Ala.; along with other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lewis will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, in the Pilgrim Baptist Church where friends may call one hour prior to the services. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Alford's Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements.