Helen L. Lewis

Miss Helen L. Lewis entered into eternal rest on February 10, 2015 at Tuomey Healthcare System, Sumter, SC. Born in Sumter County, she was the fourth child of twelve children born to the late Sam Lewis, Sr. and Rosa Pringle Lewis. She was educated in the public schools of Sumter County specifically Greenville Elementary and Lincoln High School. Miss Lewis also attended nursing school in Long Island, New York. Her employment at South Oak Hospital, as a licensed practical nurse in Amityville, Long Island, New York, lasted 30 years. Miss Lewis joined St. Luke AME Church in Sumter at an early age and maintained her membership throughout her life. In 1951, Helen moved to New York and became a member of Bridge Street AME Church in Brooklyn and Bethel AME Church in Long Island, New York where she used her skills for being a Watch Care Member. After retirement to Sumter she reunited with St. Luke AME Church and obeyed the calling of the Holy Spirit to serve on the Steward Board, the Missionary Society, Stewardess Board and sang on the St. Luke Gospel Choir until her health failed. Her church family was an important part of her life and she dearly loved them. Miss Lewis was affiliated with several community organizations such as. Sumter AARP Chapter, The Hope Center and a local community club. Helen enjoyed her time spent with the Local Union 1199. She especially enjoyed traveling and dancing. The electric slide dance was one of her favorites. Helen was a loving and very generous sister, aunt, and cousin to family and friends. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Sam and Rosa Pringle Lewis; two sisters Katie Mae Stuckley and Blanche Burgess; two brothers John Phillip Lewis and Andrew Jackson Lewis. Miss Lewis leaves to cherish her precious memories: two sisters: Marie L. Wilson of Sumter, and Rosa Lee (Rev. George F. Jr.) Manigo of Bamberg, South Carolina; five brothers: Sam Lewis , Jr. and James Lewis both of Sumter, Charles W. (Eunice) Lewis of Garner, North Carolina, Rev. W.T. (Effie) Lewis of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Robert L. (Barbara) Lewis of Newark , New Jersey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.