Ina Marian Lewis (July 1, 1935 – March 15, 2025)
Marian Lewis, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, in July 1935, Marian was the second of four children born to Herbert and Ruby Crowson and the only sibling in her family born in a hospital. In 1950, she moved to Cocoa, Florida, where she graduated from high school. She began her college journey at Pepperdine University before transferring to Abilene Christian College, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees. She spent many years as a schoolteacher, sharing her love of learning with children in New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Marian had a deep love for children and delighted in sharing the joy of life’s simplest pleasures. She found beauty in everyday moments—feeding the birds, gathering pinecones, and filling vases with fresh flowers. She also loved tending to her garden, especially her irises and daylilies, which blossomed under her care.
Her greatest passion, however, was sewing. She found immense joy in creating beautiful pieces for both herself and others, a labor of love that spoke to her generous heart. Above all, Marian was a woman of deep faith, whose grace and devotion to her family and the Lord were evident in all she did.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Lewis; her parents, Herbert and Ruby Crowson; and her brothers, Bert and Norman Crowson. She is survived by her children, Donna Calhoun (husband Matt) and Paul Lewis (wife Krista); her grandchildren, Reagan and Piper Lewis, Emily, Jacob, Lianne, and David Kendall; and her beloved sister, Anita Roach, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Marian’s warmth, faith, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park Abilene, TX 79606. Visitation will precede the service at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Slavic World for Christ, PO BOX 2872, Abilene, TX 79604.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreSponsored