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Josephine Lewis Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Lewis
Sponsored by Cheryl Poinsette Brown on behalf of the many lives she permanently touched.
Donna Hart
July 16, 2024
Mark and family it's been 10 yrs, and I still miss her daily. I know if I miss her, which I do, I know you miss her more. You are in my thoughts and prayers . I'm feeling grateful to have met her, and still wishing she was here now. I'm am still saddened by her passing, and lucky to have met her. Life will never be the same without her in it.
I hope she is at peace and I hope you are at peace too.
Donna Hart
Johnnetta Betsch Cole
July 15, 2024
An African proverb says that as long as a person´s name is called, that person lives. I continue to call your name Dr. Jo. Johnnetta Cole
Debbie Reed Bietz
July 10, 2023
At least once a day, I thank God again for Josephine Lewis. She reparented me after what is now referred to as trauma breakdown. Jo, with her kind, empathic wisdom brought me back to life. I know she had this impact on many others as well. As a result, her essence shall continue to influence our world and indeed make it a better place. Hoping for comfort to Jo's family at this time. Sincerely, Debbie Reed Bietz
Cheryl
July 12, 2020
This many years since you're passing...What a legacy, dear Jo, for you are "seen" and remembered in lives who never even met you! I teach my children and nieces and nephews the lessons I learned from you. Thank you, forever and ever.
Cheryl P Brown
April 29, 2019
I'm convinced my children still have their mother because of the lessons Dr. Jo led me to. This candle is in memory of and gratitude for the light she helped me find.
Debra Bietz
April 27, 2019
Jo changed my life from troubled to extra ordinary from the inside out. I am very grateful to her for teaching me how to become myself. She continues to influence everyday of my life. Due to her my sons have good lives too. I am grateful.
April 25, 2019
Dr Jo was truly a gift from God. As many have said, she saved my life. She made me whole. I was trying to find her to get a reference for someone when I saw this obituary. I pray that her family and friends remain comforted knowing that Dr. Jo was nothing less than amazing. I know she now laughs and sings with the angels in heaven.
Glenna Kline
March 1, 2018
I knew and loved Jo for more than 30 years. I think of her and miss her all the time. To her loving and beloved husband, daughters, and sisters: I know you are saddened everyday by her passing. She would want all who loved her to go on, but I will miss her for the rest of my life.
xyz abde
May 9, 2017
She saved my life.
dorothy reed
May 8, 2017
Jo really was a change agent for my life and I will be forever grateful.
DR
S R
May 12, 2015
I was looking for Jo and found this article. I want her family to know that she was such a gift to this world, and changed my life for the good. Thank you Jo! -SR
Nancy Vickery
April 8, 2015
omg I just heard this! Nancy V
December 15, 2014
I remember Jo well and appreciated her energy, warmth, and directness in her work with Visions.
Condolences to Mark and her children and grandchildren. Mary Brennan
November 5, 2014
Dr. Jo was a remarkable woman. I am truly saddened to hear of her loss, and I offer my condolences to her entire family. She changed me and my family for the better. As are many, I am truly blessed to have known her, and to have been touched by her light, wisdom, and kindness. She will be greatly missed.
K Williams
October 9, 2014
Oh my, my my. I am heartbroken. I just learned of her passing. What a giant in my life. When I called, her number was disconnected. I googled and found out. I am numb . I am honored and grateful Our paths crossed. My prayers are with the family. Oh my.
Pamela Clark
August 5, 2014
I am so thankful to have known Dr.JO.
You were consistently compassionate,and caring.
YOU SAVED MY LIFE,and EMPOWERED me to save my family and marriage. Dr. Jo,my heart aches because you're no longer here.
Grace Turner Smith
August 2, 2014
Sincere prayers for the family who have suffered a great loss. Jo & I were girls together growing up in Philadelphia--she at Mt. Pisgah & I at Littles Temple! RIP! May God bring this family much comfort & peace!
Nina Roslovic
July 22, 2014
Jo was a powerful role model for me and so many others. I am so grateful for her energy, expertise, kindness, patience, humor, her presence. My sincere condolences to Mark and the entire family.
Chaundra Hughes
July 22, 2014
My heart is broken into pieces. Jo saved my life and gave me so many tools for healing. I am so blessed to have had her in my life as therapist, teacher, friend. I know her soul is soaring.
July 22, 2014
Heartfelt condolences are extended to the family. Jo and I grew up in Philadelphia. We were church members of Mt. Pisgah. Those were the days.
May God Bless You
"UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN"
Jeannette Dixon
Congleton
Rev. Raedorah Stewart
July 19, 2014
In my time with VISIONS, I only had one significant opportunity to sit at Jo's feet and be blessed. Once was sufficient in making strong impact on changing how I show up in the world. Praying now that those who knew her deeper and loved her greater would know the measure of comfort that only the Comforter can give.
July 19, 2014
Dear Mark and family,
My heart goes out to each of you in your loss of our beloved Jo. I say "our" because she gave herself to all of us, though most especially to you.
Like others, I took to pen to find comfort upon learning the news of Jo's transition. What has helped me in times of loss are memories. Today I share a memory of gratitude.
In her smooth as butter tone, Jo challenged me: "You have told me what my responsibility is, now what is yours?" Each group member had been asked to state at the beginning of our session what we wanted to work on. I had not declared that I needed time, nor made my wishes known.
That day in Stone Mountain, Georgia, 30 plus years ago, Jo made sure I got it! I had made the three hour trip from Montgomery, with my husband, Albert and paid our couple's fee. I could choose to just listen to others work on their issues (which was helpful), or take responsibility for getting what I joined the group for in the first place. I was expecting the therapist to take care of my needs.
My take away from Jo on that day was nobody can take care of you better than you. If you want something, take responsibility for getting it!
Jo's reach was wide in the lives she touched and the knowledge she shared freely. She was a brilliant teacher and trusted mentor. May her memories provide comfort to you now and in the future.
Sophia Bracy Harris, Montgomery, Alabama
July 18, 2014
My family and I share in the lost of your loved one. May God continue to strengthen you in your time of sorrow.
Patricia Jefferson and Family. Washington, DC
Mary Harlan
July 17, 2014
To the Bowens Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so fortunate to have known Jo and to have worked with her. I loved her ability to wrap hard truths in compassion and offer them freely...and I delighted in her laughter. May her spirit live on and comfort you at this time.
R Treadwell
July 17, 2014
Dr. Jo was a clear voice in times of chaos and confusion. She will be missed.
Johnnetta Cole
July 17, 2014
Dear Mark, Yvonna, Clarita and all in the Bowens, Lewis, Wise families; and to all who knew and loved the truly special woman we called Jo,
I reach out to each of you and offer my condolences as you mourn the passing of our beloved Jo. Dr. Jo ( as I always called her) was a mighty and wonderful force in my life, and the news of her death
went straight to that place in my heart where tears are made. I continue to comfort myself with these words in an African saying: As long as a person's name is called, that person never dies. I join with all in Dr. Jo's family, her many friends, her colleagues and mentees in calling her name.
In the spirit in which Dr. Jo helped so many of us to be better and to do better than we thought we could,
Johnnetta Cole
Sylvester smmith
July 17, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
July 17, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Pastor & 1st Lady Bowens
Rev. Dr. Dwayne & Marcia Bowens
July 17, 2014
To The Bowens, Lewis & Wise Family
It was with profound sorrow to hear of Dr. Jo's passing.
Jo was clever, funny & crazy all at the same time. My best memory with Jo was at a meeting at a hotel in North Carolina, with Uncle Buddy & the Board of Bishops of UHC. She & I had been sitting outside in the hallway for maybe five or six hours. All of a sudden Jo made this statement, "This doesn't make any sense. They've been in there all this time & you know somebody got to go to the bathroom." Well with that I cracked up laughing because she was right, people were going in but nobody was coming out & there were no bathrooms in there.
Dr. Jo will be missed tremendously.
May the legacy she plowed in life, live on through each of you.
You are in our hearts & thoughts
May Heaven Ever Smile Upon You Is Our Prayer
May God Continue To Bless & Keep You
Pastor & 1st Lady "B" &
The Christ Centered Restoration Ministries Church
Laura Westley
July 17, 2014
Sheila Kelsey Bowens and Carla Bowens, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and the entire family. I did not know your sister but if she was a beautiful a person as you both are then I am feeling very connected. As you both know God will get you through this and your sister is definitely in a great place now and not only that she is with your parents keeping a vigil over all of you. May God bless and keep you during this period of grief. Keep the faith.
Dianne Maki-Sethi
July 17, 2014
Dear Mark and Family,
We were so stunned by the news of Jo's death. We have know her through all our years in the TA Community and she has always been a person who "talked the talk and walked the walk." She has been an inspiration communicating how to live an OK/OK life and be OK/OK with all she met. We will miss her so much. Our love and comforting wishes to you all. Dianne
Ernestine & Bob Southerland
July 17, 2014
God's love and prayers to the family. Our hearts are saddened by your loss.
Alex Burger
July 17, 2014
To Mark and family,
Jo's loss is still unreal to me. She was such an immense force for good in the lives of thousands of people. Thank you and we are forever grateful that you shared her with us for all these years.
Love,
Alex
Jean Latting
July 17, 2014
Jo and I have been friends for over 35 years. It was she who first told me that "grief comes in waves" and that certainly has been true for me since I first heard that she had made her transition. To Mark, Clarita, Yvonna, her sisters, and the rest of her family -- I am stunned by what her transition means for you. She loved all of you deeply and unconditionally. I cherish her memory and will be eternally grateful that she graced my life.
Hawmi Guillebeaux
July 17, 2014
Dear Jo!
I have benefitted so greatly from knowing you. Our time together shaped me as a person. I will never forget you, sweet Jo! You are the greates rock star I have ever known. And now you rock on in a different realm. All with poised wonderment, I have no doubt. And that is how you left me so many days of my life.. Full of wonderment. I love you, great teacher.
Linda M. Cammack
July 16, 2014
I was profoundly saddened to hear of the passing of Jo, she unselfishly shared so many of her gifts and talents. I will always remember her playing the piano as Bishop Bowens, Mother Cammack,, and I sat around the piano on North 12th Street during the first of Antioch Tabernacle's services in 1967.
GREAT Memories, PEACE BE STILL
Annie Monroe
July 16, 2014
To the Bowens Family, our deepest sympathy is with you at this difficult time.. Please know that our prayers are with the family.
Shawn Weller
July 16, 2014
I have known Jo for 26 years. She has shaped me and my family. She lives in my heart. Hugs to you, Mark.
Barbara Thomason
July 16, 2014
You are very missed,Jo..My office feels so empty without your weekly presence..
Jo, relaxing during a Workshop break, 2014
Carol Dorsey
July 16, 2014
To Mark, Clarita, Yvonna, and family: May the Peace of the Lord be with you. She had a wonderful, loving spirit, and so many of us will miss her, every day.
Sheryl Scrimsher
July 16, 2014
I worked with Jo at a community center in NC in the early 70s. Jo was loving, vibrant, and so fun to be with--keeping our staff together through very difficult times. Jo and her first husband, Roy, welcomed me in their home. I will never forget their warmth and love.
Mollye Daughtry
July 16, 2014
Jo Lewis was a remarkable woman. She contributed so much to so many in our community. We will be a lesser people without her. RIP Jo.
Rev. Jane Nelson
July 16, 2014
The saints at MCC Sacred Journey and I will be lifting you up, Rev. Marilyn as you eulogize your sister, Jo this Friday. May the God of Mercy surround Jo's entire family with grace and peace during this difficult loss. Lovingly ~ Rev. Jane Nelson
Raymond Gamble
July 16, 2014
We are sharing in your sorrow and sending caring thoughts, prayers and much love.
Deacon Raymond & Carolyn Gamble
July 16, 2014
Although I have not seen Jo in a longtime she will always be in my heart because of the patience and love she showed me as a child. Family you are all in my prayers as you are carried through this time of sorrow.
Rev. Octavia Harris Lewis
Roxanne Livingston
July 16, 2014
I just learned about Jo' passing. I had the great pleasure of her company at a TA conference last October, and loved her from thirty five years ago in Chapel Hill. She was a doll. I cherish her memory.
Michael and Juanetta Price
July 16, 2014
May God comfort you during this tough time. The Price family intercedes on your behalf for strength and understanding. Stay encouraged.
Rachael Hower
July 16, 2014
Jo was an amazing and inspirational person. She cared about people in the truest sense of the word. She will be missed by all that were lucky enough to know her.
Sara Rearden
July 16, 2014
To Elder Shelia Kelsey, Dr. Carla Bowens, Dr. Mark Wise, Yvonne Bullard, Clarita Smith, and the Wise and Bowens Families, our deepest sympathy is with you at this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are also with you and always know that even in your sorrow, GOD will keep you in HIS PERFECT PEACE. Nigel L, Sara B. Rearden and Kai Haynes.
Dorothy Glasgow
July 16, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Jo was a strong woman, wonderful mother, commited sister, and loyal friend she will be missed by all
July 16, 2014
Mark and family, I don't have the words to say how much I loved Jo and all the ways she made a difference in my life and my family's. To me, she really represented LOVE as she related to me and countless others I was blessed to see her interact with. I pray that you will be able to walk on in the love I know she blanketed you with through out her life. I will try to do the same. I am so grateful to have had the time I had with her.God Bless You
Aaron Montgomery
July 16, 2014
Jo meant so much to me - an incredible fountain of wisdom and compassion. I can't believe that she is no longer with us, but I am incredibly grateful for the time that she was.
Charlotte Draper
July 16, 2014
I sorry for your loss I'm praying God will give you the strength y'all will need today and the days come. I love you to life!
Lou Bagley
July 16, 2014
My prayers and deepest sympathy are extended to the family. I had the pleasure of growing up in Philly with Jo and her dad was my pastor.
Carolynn D. Mallard
July 16, 2014
"Our Condolences to the Family"
Now that Jo's work on earth is done;
And her feet can no longer trod;
Her name will be forever written;
In the Autograph of God.
The Mallard Family
(Carolynn, Cheryl, Dorothea & Dione')
Cheryl and Mark Brown
July 16, 2014
Our condolences to the family of someone who made such a difference in our own family. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. We loved her dearly. Peace, we pray for you.
A kind gentle critical thinker who taught me how to know and appreciate my own self, who helped me see my feelings and stop to think
Cheryl Poinsette Brown
July 16, 2014
Gary & Joy Whitty
July 16, 2014
Mark & Family: Jo was a wonderful lady. We will never forget her. Her care, compassion and love for her fellow man went above and beyond. Mom loved Jo and she loved having you at her home. We will all be less whole without her. Our hearts are broken.
John Bascom
July 16, 2014
You have been a true friend all the way from Mt Pisgah. I know that God is in charge I learn this from your Father (Uncle Bubbdy) My minister, Your Mother my 1st Sunday School teacher. God is with your Family I know at this time and will let them carry on all that you have given. I will see you later I know because the ground work was laid many years ago at 22nd and Berks St. Tell all that you see hell'o for me. John Bascom
Keecha Harris
July 15, 2014
It still seems impossible that Dr Jo is no longer with us. She will be missed and Missed and MISSED. My life is immeasurably better because of our work together. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.
Donna Hart
July 15, 2014
Jo has a special place in my heart for the past 30 years, and I believe had I not met her when I did I would not be alive today. She is the most caring, compassionate, understanding, loving, and kindest person I have ever met. My life has been truly blessed by having had her in it. I have learned so much from her that I teach others daily what she has taught me over the years. I will miss her so much. She is in the top five people of my life that I loved and that have touched me deeply. She
will be missed very much by me
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