Mary Lamb Lewis

1942 - 2025

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ASV)

Mary Ann Lamb Lewis (affectionately known as Ann, Lamb, Mama Lamb, and Grandma Lamb) was born in Perquimans County (Town of Winfall), NC. She was the daughter of the late Luther Linwood Lamb, Sr. and Emily Newby Lamb. She was one of six children. She has one surviving sister who she was very close to, Dorothy Lamb of Pennsylvania. She was married to Ralph Lewis of Virginia. From their union, she had two stepchildren, Anthony (Fedora), Kelly all from Michigan and one biological daughter Vera of Virginia. Mary had one sister-in-law, Miriam Bailey (Alfred) of Georgia; two brothers-in-law, Andrew Lewis (Eliza) of Alabama and Gerald Lewis of Florida. She had seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Mary also had one godson, Rashean George of Virginia; a bonus daughter, Raven Nickelberry of Virginia; a bonus granddaughter, Khadija Harris of Virginia; along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.  She also leaves her extended church family, Rev. Barbara Merriweather, Linda Ruffin, the Hargress Family, along with Mary Evans and Family; work, and other places who she loved dearly.

Mary Lamb Lewis was educated in Perquimans County, NC School System, graduating in 1960 from high school. From there, she attended Elizabeth State Teachers College, now known as Elizabeth City State University. She graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She also graduated in 1977 with a Master of Education degree from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). Upon moving to Sussex County, VA in 1964, she was employed as a teacher with the Sussex County School System where she was a dedicated educator of 40 years. She was an advocate for education and literacy. She also directed many plays where she taught.

Mary Lamb Lewis was a charter member of Greater Faith A.M.E. Zion Church in Petersburg, VA. She was a member the Willing Workers, a former class leader, Sunday school teacher, Bud’s of Promise co-chair, Bud’s choir co-chair, a Vacation Bible School Director for many years, Hospitality Committee manager for several years, and Christian Education Director for over 20 years. She loved attending noon day bible study. She directed many plays at church throughout her tenure. She attended several CED events, district, conference, and mid-winter meetings.

One of her favorite scriptures in the Bible is from the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. She also loved this quote from St. Francis of Assisi’s (Catholic version) “O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time. Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace. Taking, as he did, the sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that he will make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever.”

She loved reading, watching comedies, games shows, watching the Gaither Gospel Group, and the Food Network. WWF/WWE was her all-time favorite. She had always tried to instill in people that “Manners are cheap. You don’t have to pay for them in order to be nice. Above all else each day find something to be happy about and smile”.

Her daughter Vera and husband Ralph state that “She had always been a woman of virtue who inspired and mentored.”

The family thanks her wonderful medical teams: Prime Care Family Practice (Dr. Leslie Brown and team), Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates (Dr. Zahid Mughal and associates), Burks Phlebotomy On The Go, LLC (Frenchie Burks), Virginia Cancer Institute (Dr. Sujatha Yellinedi and team), Virginia Cardiovascular Specialist (Dr. Grover and Team), Sound Physicians ER and ICU at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center along with their partners, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Petersburg, James River Home Health , and Select Specialty Hospital along with their partners. We also thank everyone who called, visited, and prayed for our beloved Mary Lamb Lewis. We love each of you.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Greater Faith A.M.E Zion Church, 1301 Youngs Road, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Randy V. Kiah, Pastor, eulogist. 

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.