Verna Jean Lewis

VERNA LEWIS

VAN BUREN, MO. — Verna Jean Lewis, loving wife, mother, and friend, was born Feb. 4, 1922, in Hardin, Ill., daughter of the late Fred and Myrta (Mollohan) Long. She departed this life Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, in Van Buren, Mo., at the age of ninety-three years.

On Sept. 13, 1942, Verna married her loving husband of 72 years, Howard Seal Lewis, in Atlantic City, N.J. Verna and Howard have resided in Van Buren since moving from Alton, Ill., in 1992. She was a graduate of Des Arc High School in Des Arc, Mo., and a retired secretary/bookkeeper for the Alton Illinois Public School District, where she served as a member of the school board. She was a devoted member of the Twelfth Street Presbyterian Church of Alton, and, for the last 23 years, a member of the United Methodist Church of Van Buren. Verna loved her church, where she taught Sunday school and served on countless clubs and committees throughout her life.

Verna enjoyed spending time in nature-gardening, fishing, and visiting state and national parks. She was also an avid quilter, cook, reader, traveler, and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

She is survived by her husband, Howard, of Van Buren; one son, Howard S. Lewis Jr., of Plainfield, Ind.; one daughter, Susan Mehan, of Cordova, Tenn.; one daughter-in-law, Terri Lewis, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; six granddaughters, Megan Burris, Tracy Mikesell, Jeanne Waltman, Romy Maurer, Katie Simmons and Cori Egan; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Macel Seal of Piedmont, Mo.; one brother-in-law, Cokie McSpadden, of Van Buren; along with many other nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who mourn her passing.

In addition to her parents, Verna is preceded in death by one son, Randall Lewis; three sisters, Elsie and husband Gene Silliman, Wilma and husband Jean Ringer, Mabel McSpadden , and one brother-in-law, Jim Seal.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb.13, 2015, at the United Methodist Church in Van Buren, Mo., with Rev. Jim Cooper officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Van Buren United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Central Indiana Land Trust at 1500 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcspaddenfh.com.