Nancy Nelson Lewis

1927 - 2019

Nancy Nelson Lewis, 91, passed away peacefully at home just before sunrise on June 7, 2019.

She was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, the youngest of 4 children of Walter S. and Lois H. Nelson. They moved to Savannah when Nancy was two years old, where her father began many years of work for the Southern Cotton Oil Company. Nancy graduated from Savannah High School in 1945, and at the age of eighteen married J. Curtis Lewis, Jr. While he pursued a business degree at the University of Georgia, she attended classes there and later at Armstrong College. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage until his death in 2005.

She is survived by all six of her children, Nancy, Curtis (Carol), Walter (Linda), Wistar (Lynn), Scott and Christian (Mary), as well as 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 5 nieces. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, her brother Captain Walter S. Nelson, Jr., and her two sisters Lois N. Doss, and Mary Lee N. Lebey.

Among Nancy's many talents were her artistic abilities, being particularly noted for her portraits and landscapes. Her painting and drawing skills first became evident in her teen years, and after a hiatus of 25 years to raise her family, she took formal art courses in New York City and from Savannah College of Art and Design locally. Over the years she painted portraits of many Savannahians, without charge, asking instead that a donation might be made to a local charity or foundation. She was active in the local art community and her oil paintings often received accolades or awards from fellow artists and general admirers alike. Nancy also enjoyed gardening and learned to become an expert in raising roses in her back yard.

The cornerstone of her life was her strong Christian faith, and Nancy was a founding member of the Chatham County Christian Women's Club. Her volunteer and community efforts included many years with the Junior League and its annual Thrift Sale, as well as fundraising work for the Savannah Symphony with her regular appearances as one if its fashion show models. In 2016 she was named by SCAD as a Woman of Vision honoree, noting her charitable work in higher education and community service.

Her children are grateful for her many years of unwavering love and support shown to them as matriarch of a busy household, as well as her unfailing devotion to her husband as he juggled many business ventures and a term as Savannah Mayor.

The family will receive friends at a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel on Monday, June 10, 2019.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery.

The family is particularly grateful for the compassionate care shown to Nancy by her numerous loving caregivers over the last four years, and by the outstanding team at Hospice

Savannah during the last week.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests consideration of modest memorial donations to the Nancy N. and J. C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion, 225 Candler Drive, Savannah, GA 31405, or to Union Mission, Inc., 120 Fahm St., Savannah, GA 31401, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Please visit www.foxandweeks.com to sign our online guestbook.