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Roland Lewis Obituary
Mr. Lewis was born on July 19, 1928, in Newark, N.J., to the late James and Helen Lewis. In the early 1940s, he relocated to Petersburg, Va., where he became a member of Zion Baptist Church.
Mr. Lewis is a graduate of Virginia State University and did graduate work at New York University. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and served in the United States Army. He was an educator in the Petersburg school system, teaching history, U.S. government and art for 30-plus years until his health began to fail.
Mr. Lewis was predeceased by a brother, Duke Lewis, and his daughter, Dr. Geneva Elizabeth Lewis.
Survivors include his loving and dedicated wife of 52 years, Thelma Stith Lewis; a son, Roland Edward Lewis Jr.; a daughter-in-law, Monica Cutno; four grandchildren, Roland Edward Lewis III, Duke Lewis, Charles Willis III and Taylor Willis; a sister, Marjorie Fisher; and a host of nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. He was a devoted husband and father, a peaceful man who enjoyed his family, and an accomplished artist.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, at the Chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Grady W. Powell officiating. The interment to follow at Blandford Cemetery.
Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Lewis online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roland Lewis
Matthew Gilliam
November 1, 2010
To Thelma, Marjie and the rest of the family: May I convey my sincerest condolences on the passing of Roland. I've know so many of you not only as teachers but as friends of my dad who taught at Peabody. True educators each. My prayers to all of you.
Matthew 'Ricki' Gilliam
Junius Parham
October 29, 2010
Words can only comfort us when we lose a loved one! God sees each of us through our grief. Keep your head up! My families thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all!
Love
Junius W. Parham II (Class of 1982)
October 28, 2010
THELMA,
I AM THINKING OF YOU.
JEAN BRACEY MABRY
(202) 276-2631
JEAN BRACEY-MABRY
October 28, 2010
THELMA, ROLAND JR AND MARGIE,
MY LOVE AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS
LOVE;
JEAN BRACEY MABRY AND FAMILY
BOB MOBLEY TANYA, SCOTTY, & YOLANDA.
October 28, 2010
My sincere sypathy to the Lewis family on the passing of Roland. Over the years, Mr. Lewis was a well respected and dynamic history teacher . When I entered the profession, it was he who gave me direction on being an effective teacher and inspired me to continue my education into graduate school. He is a legend at Petersburg High and even more he was a gentleman and a good, good, friend. You will be missed Roland, but RIP knowing you left your positive influence on many and 'that' will continue to live on.
Always, Dr. Kenneth H. Leftwich
October 27, 2010
I was a student in the Petersburg School System in 1970s and had Mr. Lewis as a teacher. He was a fine teacher, friendly person, good sense of humor and an optimist. I recognized him immediately in the paper this past week. That's how much an effect he had on me. I hope you find peace in knowing how much he was admired. Take care always, Brian Silverman, PHS Class of 1978, Petersburg
Wayne R. Scott
October 27, 2010
God Bless The Lewis Family and I still remember the long day's that Mrs Fisher and Mr. Lewis kept Me out of the Hall Way's and By Way's at The Mighty Mighty Peabody High School. Long live the Lewis Family.
God Bless and Take Care,
Wayne R. Scott
Keith Ridley IV(PHS-Class of 1985)
October 26, 2010
With fond memories of a history Guru who made you crave to reach the best of life that there was as a 10th grade student he made you wantto excel....
Keith Ridley,IV
(PHS-1985)
Rev. Tracey Bullock-Lyons
October 25, 2010
I was sad to hear about the passing of your loved one. He taught me Govt. when I attended school. His daughter and I were good friends, also. Please remember his life was well spent and he has a special place in heaven.
My prayers are with your family.
Jocelyn Barnwell
October 24, 2010
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Cherish your memories.
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J M Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. - Petersburg102 South Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803-4220
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