MARY LOU LEWIS

Mary Lou Lewis passed away Friday, July 24, 2020 in Kingsport, Tenn. after an extended illness. She was born in Black Joe, Ky. on December 27, 1928 to Sarah and Logan Lewis. She was a graduate of Loyall High School in 1947 and the Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. She worked for doctor’s Park and Begley in Harlan, Ky. where she met the new band director in town, Luther Lewis, and began a 63 marriage that produced three children. They started in Harlan, Ky., then moved to Clintwood, Va., and then moved to Greensburg, Ky. seeking employment. Mary Lou and Luther finally settled in their forever home in Clintwood, Va. in 1963. Mary Lou worked as a public health nurse at the Dickenson County Health Department for several years before moving to Clintwood Elementary School as the school nurse. She found her passion in working with the youth of the county and town, caring and loving for hundreds and gaining a large extended family. She retired from nursing in the mid-90’s and spent her retirement doing what she loved – spoiling her grandchildren, sharing her love of nature’s flora and fauna, raising wildflowers, and a jungle of pawpaws, autumn olives, and mayapples. She was a true Appalachian Granny woman, knowing the uses of any wildflower or plant, for food, medicine and healing. She was an avid church goer and member of the choir at Clintwood Baptist Church, and this continued a love for music that began in her early youth. Her performance at Carnegie Hall with the Harlan Musettes was one of the proudest moments of her life. She was a full-bird Kentucky Colonel and was always proud of her Kentucky heritage.

Preceded in death by her parents Sarah Bell Shell Lewis and Logan Delmar Lewis; brothers Elmer, Logan Jr., William Frederick; sisters Emily, Edith, Emma, and Evelyn Ruth and husband Luther Everette.

Survived by: children Norman (Judy) Lewis of Clintwood, Melody (Gary) Bird of Perryville, Ky. and Lee (Karen) Lewis of Roanoke; grandchildren, Jessica (Brad) Ketron, Matthew (Tracy) Bird, Zachary Garrett, Kileigh Bird, Nicholas(Natalie) Lewis, Ashley (Ronnie) Fultz and Kaitlyn (John) Hill; several great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clintwood Baptist Church or Gideons International. Services will be private at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.