Beverley Lewis

Beverley W. Lewis HAMPTON - Beverley West "Bev" Lewis, 88, went to the Lord peacefully July 8, 2009, after a short illness. He was born June 23, 1921, in Norfolk to the late Judd and Adelaide Sykes Lewis. He graduated from Mount Lebanon High School in Mount Lebanon, Pa., earned a B.S. from the College of William and Mary and a graduate degree from the University of Maryland, both in chemistry. He had been married for 60 years to Gladys Toxey Lewis of Norfolk. They lovingly raised two daughters together and created many happy memories. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Manhattan Project, during World War II. His long federal civil service career included 31 years as a physical chemist for NASA-LaRC where he contributed to the country's space program and mentored many young scientists. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the American Chemical Society. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Judd W. Lewis Jr. and Donald S. Lewis Sr. Other survivors include his daughters, Sally A. Lewis of Hampton and Ellen L. McGimsey and husband Rich of Roanoke; and granddaughters, Caroline and Meredith McGimsey; a sister, Adelaide L. Walker of Christiansburg; a sister-in-law, Beverly P. Lewis of Kilmarnock; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Dr. Todd Weisman and staff, Heidi Johnson and the nurses and CNAs of Heartland Hospice for their care of Bev in his final months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, at 2 p.m. in First United Methodist Church, Fox Hill, 1 Salt Ponds Road, Hampton, by the Rev. Tommy Markham. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service. The family requests no home visits. Arrangements are in care of R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.