Sylvia Lewis

Lewis, Sylvia

Sylvia Edith Lewis, 98, passed away peacefully on 12/31/2024 in Sale Creek, TN. She was born on October 20, 1926 to Daniel Boone Hacker and Alabam (Davidson) Hacker in Jackson County, KY. At birth, she was named Edith by her mother and sister, Vivian, as her father was unable to accompany them to the hospital. Soon after, her father decided her name would be Sylvia, the name by which she was known throughout her life. It was only recently changed legally to Sylvia Edith.

Sylvia had 7 brothers: James Chester, Roy, Logan, Marvin, Quentin, Preston Jennings, and Daniel; 7 sisters: Maude, May, Naomi, Eunice, Susan, Rachel, and Vivian. Sylvia attended elementary school at Oneida Baptist Institute in Oneida, KY, where her father was a teacher. She often spoke fondly of her Dad and was especially proud that he taught in partnership with Professor James Burns, who founded OBI.

Sylvia's mother passed away in 1930 when Sylvia was 3 years old. She and her younger brother, PJ, moved to the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home in Louisville, KY. Throughout her life Sylvia praised the quality of education and care she received there. She spoke fondly of the Shriners who visited and provided support for the children, taking them to medical appointments and sponsoring special events. Outings for ice cream was a special memory for her. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star most of her life. She graduated from junior high school at the Masonic Home and moved to Hamilton, OH to complete her education at Hamilton High School.

Sylvia married Kenneth Dale Lewis and together they had a son, Gary Wayne, and a daughter, Sandra Sue, who died at birth in 1951. Both Kenneth and Gary predeceased Sylvia. She was also predeceased by her beloved grandson, Stephen Craig Lewis and all of her siblings.

Sylvia lived her life believing and accepting God's will. She was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church and, later, East River Road Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible school, and assisted with or participated in countless church events.

Sylvia spent most of her working life with Champion Paper Company and retired from there. She proudly recalled the ways Champion rewarded employees with access to Thompson Park and providing bonuses, gifts, and special events, such as dinner at LaComedia.

During Sylvia's retirement years, she pursued hobbies, including going to yard sales, gardening, collecting, genealogy, and taking craft classes at Handicraft. She volunteered at New Life Mission, five days/week for many years. She kept in frequent contact with family and friends, often traveling some distance to visit them. She regularly drove to southern TN to visit her son and his wife, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She helped her family whenever needed, selflessly giving of her own possessions, as well as her limited income. She also generously gave of her time, for example transporting and accompanying her older siblings to doctor appointments, shopping, or dining.

She had an incredible memory for poems, songs, Bible verses and nursery rhymes, which she joyously shared with others. She participated in a Red Hat club, a tribute to one of her favorite poems by Jenny Joseph, "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple with a red hat that doesn't go and doesn't suit me."

Surviving family members include her daughter in law, Cathy Lewis, granddaughter, Cristy (Teddy) Smith, and great grandsons Thomas and Jacob Smith, and many nieces, nephews and their families. She will be missed by her many beloved friends and family members.

If desired, remembrances can be made to New Life Mission, 415 Henry St., Hamilton, OH. 45012, or to East River Road Baptist Church, 4525 River Rd., Fairfield, OH 45014.