Mr. Andrew Jackson Lewis

Mr. Andrew J. Lewis was born June 2, 1917 in Sumter County, SC. He entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 6, 2013, at Providence Hospital. He was the oldest of eleven children born to the late Sam and Rosa Lewis, Sr. He received his early education in Sumter County Schools and was valedictorian of his class at Lincoln High School. He entered Benedict College and graduated Cum Laude in 1941, with a degree in mathematics. He earned a Master of Science degree from SC State University and did further study at New York University. Mr. Lewis also served in the United States Army-Air Force earning the rank of TSgt. Mr. Lewis was an active member of Chappelle Memorial AME Church for many years. He served on the Steward Board under the leadership of three pastors. He worked diligently on the Budget and Finance Committee, and chaired the Men’s Day programs for ten years. In 1985, Chappelle Memorial AME Church named him “Man of the Year.” He began his professional career at Celia Saxon Elementary School in Richland County School District One. He later became Assistant Principal at W.A. Perry Middle School. He was appointed Principal of Greenview Elementary School. After his retirement, Richland School District One changed the name of the school to A.J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School. This noted and dedicated educator was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Capital City Lodge #47 (Prince Hall F&A Masons), Benedict College National Alumni Association, the Columbia Transportation and Advisory committee (Coats), the Columbia Municipal Elections committee, and the Richland county and South Carolina Retired Educators Associations. He served as chaplain of the Benedict Columbia Alumni #2 Club; president and vice president of the Columbia Luncheon Club, president of the United Martin Family of South Carolina; and as vice president of the Shandon Neighborhood Council. He served on the committee to change the name of Valley Park to Martin L. King, Jr. Park. Mr. Lewis was the recipient of many honors and awards to include the O.P. Taylor Humanitarian Award that distinguished him as Man of the Year. Additionally, he was given the Living the Legacy Award as an outstanding educator from the National Council of Negro Women. Mr. Lewis met and married his loving wife, Margaret Pearson Lewis, of 71 years, on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1942 in Columbia, SC. They enjoyed celebrating with family, serving the community and traveling. Preceding him in death in addition to his wife and parents were siblings, John Lewis, Katie Stuckey and Blanche Burgess. He leaves to mourn, a daughter, Andrea L. (James) Jones of Columbia; grandchildren, David S. Lewis (reared in the home) and Deborah E. Lewis; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Helen Lewis, Sam Lewis, Jr., Marie Wilson, James Lewis, Rosa (Rev. George) Manigo, Charles (Eunice) Lewis, Rev. W.T. (Effie) Lewis and Robert Lewis; and a host of nieces; nephews; other loving relatives and friends. Services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Emmanuel AME Church, with interment to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 6-8:00 PM Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at Palmer Memorial Chapel. The family request that condolences and memorials be made on their webpage @www.palmermemorialchapel.com

Mr. Andrew Jackson Lewis

June 2, 1917 - December 6, 2013