Atha Lewis

Atha Wilkins Lewis, 80, a resident of Pearl, MS passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 21, 2018 at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS with interment in Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, MS. Visitation will be held from 9-11 am Friday at the funeral home.

Mr. Lewis was born May 12, 1938 to Will and Pearl Lewis of Pineville, MS and was married to Virginia Mangum Lewis. He was a member of Truitt Memorial Baptist Church in Pearl, MS where he was a deacon and involved in the Adult Sunday School Ministry. He and wife, Virginia, were members of the Studious Sunday School Class of which he stated, “When I leave this Sunday school class the next place I go will be to heaven.” Mr. Lewis was a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. He worked for School Pictures, Inc. for over thirty years and then The Clorox Company for eight years until retirement. He was also well-known for his 25 years of wedding photography. He was an avid woodworker specializing in musical instruments such as dulcimers, mandolins and ukuleles. His grandchildren were recipients of numerous toy trucks, dollhouses and doll beds, and he made most everyone he knew either a hiking stick or walking stick. Never meeting a stranger, he was quick-witted and kind-hearted. He loved his family very much and spending time with them brought great joy to his life. He will be missed by those who loved and knew him.

Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Pearl Lewis; brother, Floyd Lewis; sisters, Venvela Chappell, Frances Gilbert, Elane Sorey and Nana Lois Lewis.

Mr. Lewis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia Mangum Lewis; sons, Kirby A. (Wendy) Lewis and Kevin M. (Michelle) Lewis; grandchildren, Jonathan (Samantha) Lewis, Christopher (Lauren) Lewis, Emma Lewis and Sophia Lewis; great grandson, Luke Atha Lewis; sisters, Lou Alice Glisson, Billie Ruth Gray and Waudeena Carr; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.