Juanita Martin Lewis

Juanita Martin Lewis ("Nita") of Laurel Springs, NC, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 3, 2023, surrounded by her beloved family. She was 95 years old.

Born in Meigs, GA, on March 24, 1928, to Everett Wiley Martin and Pearl Atchley Martin, Nita lost her mother at the age of 5, prompting her father to move his young family to Miami, FL, where his parents could assist him in raising Nita and her two older brothers. She thrived in Miami and cherished her grandparents Brent and Lottie Martin, whose loving care helped to ease the loss of her mother.

At Miami High School, Nita enjoyed school and was a majorette and a member of the Student Council. At the University of Miami, she was Treasurer of Delta Zeta Sorority and was voted by the PKA fraternity brothers as "Dream Girl of PKA." Shortly thereafter, she became the real-life dream girl of PKA fraternity member Gene Edward Lewis. Upon Nita's graduation in 1952 with a Bachelor's degree in Education, she and Gene were married in Coral Gables; they remained devoted to one another for the next 71 years.

Nita began her career in Miami as an elementary school teacher and the couple welcomed a daughter and a son. In 1962, the family moved to Brevard County, FL., where "Mrs. Lewis" enriched the lives of countless children in Indialantic during her 28-year tenure. She loved her students and they loved her in return; she considered herself blessed to have spent 34 years in a fulfilling career that brought her great joy.

Retirement gave Nita an opportunity to spend more time with her two grandsons, who knew her as "Gam;" they learned that they could depend on her to support them as a cheerleader at every sporting event. Nita enjoyed gardening, socializing with her bridge club and was an active member of PEO Sorority. She also liked taking family trips to the mountains of NC.

Nita was active in her church community as a member of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Indialantic. Upon moving to Ashe County, NC, in 2003, Jefferson United Methodist Church became the Lewis's church home.

In addition to her parents and grandparents, Nita was predeceased by an infant daughter, Kevin Ann and by brothers Everett Martin and Bill Martin.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gene Edward Lewis; daughter Kimberly Ann Hildreth and husband Scott; son Wade Edward Lewis and wife April; grandsons Kevin Wade Goodwin and Joshua David Goodwin; two nieces; three nephews; and her devoted caregiver, Ann Anderson.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Medi-Home Health and Hospice for providing excellent services to Juanita and to the entire family.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Lewis Family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.