Will Lewis, Jr.,
passed away, on Friday, September 8, 2017, peacefully at home after a three
and half year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
On July 21, 1934,
in Bolton, Mississippi, Will, Sr., and Anna Mae Lewis gave birth to the
first of their five children, Will Lee Lewis, Jr.
Will loved the Post
Office. His first permanent job was at the Hammond, IN, location. He was the
first hired black Postal Clerk. Later in his career, in 1982, Will became
the first black Postmaster of the Chesterton, IN, Post Office. After serving
in the United States Postal Service for 37 years, Will retired in 1990.
He was preceded in
death by his parents and his brother Joe Lewis.
He leaves to
cherish his memory his loving family; his dedicated and loving wife, Helen
Flourney-Lewis, seven children: Sharon Hardin (Ontario, CA), Sylvia Lewis
(Dallas, TX), Shirley Terry (Memphis, TN), Stephanie (Berneil) Fuller
(Minneapolis, MN), Will (Lolita) Lewis, III (Gary, IN), Michael (Jackie)
Lewis (Holland, MI), and Gilbert Lewis (Chesterton, IN).
His legacy will
continue to live on in the memories of his 13 grandchildren, and 11
great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews,
cousins, other relatives and many friends.
Homegoing Service
is Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the 5th Avenue United Methodist Church,
2600 W. 5th Avenue, Gary, IN, 46404. Family Hour is 10 to 11 a.m. Service
will begin at 11:00 a.m., Officiating, Minister Will Lewis IV, Pastor
Annette Ayers, Eulogy.
Funeral services
are entrusted to Smith, Bizzell and Warner Funeral Home.