Joe Lewis

URBANA - Deacon Joe Lewis Sr. lived a fruitful life. He was 88 years old when he went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at 2:15 a.m. while at home in Urbana.

He was born to the union of the late Sam and Clara (Fortney) Lewis on June 6, 1937, in Bolivar, Miss., the sixth of seven children (all but one brother preceded him in death).

He confessed his faith and trust in Christ at an early age at Eastern Star MB Church, which is now known as Peter's Rock in Rosedale, Miss.

In his teen years, he moved to Chicago and Kentucky for several years before moving back to Mississippi. There he united in holy matrimony with Lucy Mae Jones on Sept. 18, 1959 (she preceded him in death). They then moved to Champaign in 1960 and later to Urbana, where he lived until he passed. To this union were born six children and one child from previous relationships.

After moving to Urbana, he started working at Parkhill Motors as a mechanic after completing his training in Chicago at the General Motors Training Center in 1966. He was the first Black mechanic to work for Parkhill, and he worked there for 20 years before taking a job with the State of Illinois Garage, where he worked until he retired.

He attended Springfield Community College from 1984 to 1986. While there, he received two certificates from the Business Industry Development, the International Harvest Auto Motive and the Chrysler Motor. He later went to ASE, where he received a certificate for Automotive Tech April of 1992. He worked as a mechanic consultant for Shelton Lanudry.

He became a member of the United Supreme Council of the 32nd degree of Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction on Aug. 8, 1991. He also became a Master Mason on June 24, 1992, at the St. James Grand Lodge (Hiram Lodge 10).

In the 1980s, he became a founding member of the Bells of Joy gospel group and later formed the Gospel Exciters. 

When he moved to Urbana with his family, they became members of Morning Star Freewill Baptist Church. Here he remained for several years until he became a member of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church, now known as Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and Sunday school teacher for decades until illness prevented him from continuing both, which he loved.

He enjoyed working on cars, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, and cooking those famous sweet potato pies (he took the secret recipe with him).

He leaves to cherish the memories his children, Shirley Jones, Sam (Barbara) Hall, Barbara (Terry) Smith, Joann Lewis, Joe Lewis Jr. and Teresa Lewis; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Harvey Lewis of Chicago; a host of family and friends; his best friend, Deacon Porter Holcrombe; and three brothers in Christ, Deacon Danny Mitchell, Minister Larry McMillan and the Rev. Robert Campbell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Clara; wife, Lucy; daughter, Clara; one brother, Sam Jr.; four sisters, Hattie, Bea, Stella and Clark; and one great-grandson, Jordan.

A visitation and musical tribute service will commence from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, Urbana.

The celebration of life will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. The Rev. Ronald Baker will be eulogist. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.