A Celebration of Life for Mr. Sylvester Lewis, Friday, June 8, 2012, December 19, 1940 - June 1, 2012, 11:00 A.M., Ben Hill United Methodist Church, 2099 Fairburn Road, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30331, Reverend Richard D. Winn, Sr., Senior Pastor, Officiating

Friday, June 8, 2012 December 19, 1940 - June 1, 2012
11:00A.M.
Ben Hill United Methodist Church
2099 Fairburn Road, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30331 Reverend Richard D. Winn, Sr., Senior Pastor
Officiating

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At 9:25 p.m. on June 1, 2012, God in His infinite wisdom opened heaven's gates and called his faithful servant home to be with the Lord.
Affectionately known as "Syl," he was the fourth child and third son of the late Mr. Elijah and Mrs. Ozeal Scott Lewis, born December 19, 1940.
Sylvester was educated in the Muscogee County School System, Columbus, Georgia and graduated from William Henry Spencer High School, Class of 1958. He received an Associate Degree from Columbus Technical College in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. SyIvester believed in furthering his education in all aspects of the technical sciences. He used this technical knowledge not only to benefit his household, but also the household of others. He often volunteered his services, without charge, to assist others in need. He received several certificates and accommodations for jobs well done. His passion for driving led him to get a CDL. This passion was only surpassed by his enthusiasm for sports, especially bowling, baseball, golf and rock throwing. He competitively participated and won several awards, trophies, and plaques which adorn the walls of his home.
Sylvester was in the U.S. Military and served tours of duty in France, Germany and Thailand. He dabbled in Doo-Wop music as aDJ. He loved to sing and harmonize all types of music.
Sylvester was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, nephew, neighbor, and friend. He was very compassionate and quiet, but a determined person who loved his family. There was nothing he would not do for his family. He was everyone's "Daddy," granddaddy, friend, advisor, counselor, mentor, peace maker, and leader.
After 22 years with the U.S. Post Office, Mr. Lewis retired as a Supervisor of Operations. He previously held management and leadership positions with Xerox, Ford Motor Company, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Atlanta Regional Commission. Mr. Lewis had a strong, healthy work ethic which resulted in him receiving several awards and bonuses as well as promotions. He believed in doing the "right thing."
Mr. Lewis was spiritually driven and devoted in all aspects of his life. He grew up knowing and believing in a Higher Power as instilled by his parents. He joined Ben Hill United Methodist Church and became a member of the Sanctuary Choir where he was active until his health started to decline.
Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mr. Elijah and Mrs. Ozeal Scott Lewis; three loving brothers: James Winfred Lewis, Elijah Lewis, Jr., and Lloyd Benjamin

Sylvester leaves to cherish his many, many memories a devoted wife, Catherine; three sons, Sylvester, Jr., (Sheila), Eric (Felisia), Patrick (Dwethi); two daughters, Sylvia Lewis and Traci Lewis; nineteen (19) grandchildren, Koji, Er'Nest, Lamar, Traci, Antonio, Eric Elijah, Teric, Jasmine, Destiny Freddie, Milan, Tia, Rayan, Ryan, Rachel, Zoe, Zion, Makari, Malik, Trenisha and kids; three great grandchildren: Leigha, Jordan and }ayden; one aunt, Veola Jordan (Charles), Mattapan, MA; two brothers, Michael (Michelle) Lewis, Atlanta, GA, Eddie (Mac) Lewis, Parmelee, NC; three sisters, Lillie Lewis Morris, Dorchester, MA, Martha Lewis (Joseph) Williams, Cusseta, GA, Sandra Lewis (Hemich) Miller, Atlanta, GA; five sister-inlaws, Cledith (Perry), Savannah, GA, Van (Joe), Marion (Clyde) and Paulette (Bernard) all of Atlanta, GA; Ann Lewis, Augusta, GA; a former wife, mother of their four children and good friend Lee Ethel and a brother-in-law, Richard; several devoted nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, acquaintances and a host of special friends. Sylvester's kind heart, warm spirit, helpful attitude and humane love spanned a lifetime of demonstration.

PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL SCRIPTURE
PRAYER OF COMFORT CE~ BRATION IN SONG

REFLECTIONS OF LOVE CELEBRATION IN SONG WORDS OF COMFORT MINISTRY OF MUSIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

u God Has Smiled On Me''

Sanctuary Choir

Old Testament Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 (KJV)

Elder Curtis Veasley Mt. Sinai Primitive Baptist Church

New Testament Philippians -1:20-25 (KJV)

Reverend GiGi A. Warren Ben HiD United Methodist Church

Mark 13:30-37 (KJV)

Reverend Douglas A. Stowers Calvary Baptist Church

/
' fThe Lamb Has Overcome"

Reverend Willie Vincent Sanctuary Choir

Read Silently

'~ Charge To Keep"

Reverend Willie Vincent

Reverend Richard D. Winn, Sr. Senior Pastor, Ben Hill -United Methodist Church

Sanctuary Choir

'~t the Church Sa}{. Amen" Ben Hill United Methodist Church

FeHowship HaD

INTERMENT Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens
5755 Mallory Road College Park, GA 30349

....,
Reflections of Love
1. My father was an avid golfer and I find these words describe him: (G) is for great; (0 ) is for outstanding; (L) is for loving; (F) is for Father. --Sylvester) Jr.
2. My Brother, Syl was my mentor and a personal friend. He was a leader by example, not by work. I enjoyed our time together and will miss his warm greeting, "Brother man". He will always be with me in my heart an in my soul. Love Always -- Mike
3. Brother, only you could keep the cool demeanor with few words and a mighty weapon of reasoning. I will miss you. Love -- Ezell
4. Uncle Syl, the times we spent together will never be erased or forgotten. These are memories only a special uncle can evoke. Your words of wisdom, your guidance and your love have framed our being. We love you -- Alex and Kristy
5. Uncle Syl, you were the sounding board for all my problems and issues. Your calmness always made me at ease. I will miss you. -- Kayla
6. Uncle Syl, you were one of a kind. You were my uncle, you were my rescuer. You always made it better. --Linda and Ray
7. Uncle Syl, your unwavering support is a gift to everyone you meet. You will be missed. -- Dana
8. Uncle Syl, you taught me to play golf and you taught me to respect my elders. You have paved the way for so many in your family. We will miss you. This is no other like you. -- Kelvin and Karlos
9. Sylvester was a competitive voice of reasoning, quiet demeanor, leader 1n all aspects, slow to anger. I will miss. I love you. --Martha and Joe
10. I was there when you were born: I named you, I fed you, I played with you and watched you grow up to be a great young man. I will miss you. I love you. -- Aunt Veola (Charles)
11. Today my heart hears and my stepdad Sylvester Lewis passed away. Thank you Pop for loving me and treating me like your own. I love you and will miss you so much. --Pat (Patrick)
12. R.I.P. Sylvester Lewis. My uncle passed on last night. It comes in 3's when you are dealing with it personally as well. A great man, great father, a man I definitely looked up to and admired. That's how I began my day. -- Jamil
-

13. I am your big sister. I will truly miss you as only a sister can. I love you more. --Lillie
14. Syl, you taught me so much as only a big brother can do. You taught me to throw rocks, to take care of myself, and you introduced Vincent to Daddy. You were the sounding board of understanding. I love you. -- Sand
15. Man, you will always be tops in my eyes. Miss you already. --Love, Vincent.
16. Uncle Syl, Getting the three brothers on the phone and listening to the "tall tales " was the highlight of a great phone call. I will miss these talks. I will miss you. -- Terrell
17. Daddy, I love you and I have total faith that you are healed. You are a believer in Christ Jesus. You walk in His ways and you have salvation. So just by this Daddy, you fall under 2 Peter 1:3-4. --Love Forever, Your son, Eric.
18. Uncle Syl, I do not know how to put in words how much I will miss you and your words of wisdom. -- Later, Ronnie
19. Uncle Syl, please believe that we all love you and will miss you. -- Kim
20. Someone so special and so Young at heart. I Love you dearly and I will miss your Voice. You were an Excellent Father S o sweet, smart and strong. And I T hank God for the time you were able to E njoy and embrace R yan, Rayna and Rachel --I Love You, Traci
21. Sylvester had some sayings of his own which will always be echoed 1n our memories of him, namely:
- In driving you are never lost because the steering wheel turns around. -Aim high, swing hard. - Do not give up -Brother man, what be it?
22. Is that you Sylvester talking? Are you playing pinochle 1n Heaven? We hear you Syl, We miss you partner. We can only imagine that you're "saluting", playing aces", and about to run a "head rub." We see you laughing, we see you smiling, you and Jesus winning-- that's what you loved. We'll take care of Cat. Don't worry. And we'll forever love and remember you. We'll still play pinochle, but it won't be the same without you. --Love Griff and Bonnie

23. "Let your light so shine that men (&women) see your good works......" We were all blessed and our lives became brighter when Lewis (and his"kool" walk) strolled into Cathy's life. We have all been beneficiaries of the special glow, love, friendship, peace and all things special that were him. For over 30 years Lewis has been a friend, confidant, partner, brother through love, as well as a cherished uncle for our children. We have so many wonderful memories that will last throughout our lives. When it came to debating issues - it was always Carolyne and Sylvester on the same side!!! Lewis was a very easy going man who truly enjoyed life, family and friends. As an old song said,"to know him is to love him - and we do ." Our lives were made brighter because of him and he will continue to live in our hearts. Love Always, Johnnie & Carolyne and Family
24. A gentleman's gentleman, devoted husband, committed family man, quiet spirit, skilled driver, gifted athlete, Christian brother and special "buddy." We will sorely miss you, but your memory will live forever. Love, Von & Beverly Logan
25. My relationship with Sylvester was one of a father figure as well as a big brother. I often relied on his wisdom, his strength, and overall good spirit. I am truly thankful to have Sylvester as an inspiration in my life and playing a major role making me the man I am today.
Sylvester also inspired me to play and excel at golf. He was a fierce competitor but also a gentlemen with a calm demeanor with respect to the game. You never heard him talk about how good he was. But if you ever played with him, you knew he was the best. He would always encourage me to work hard on off the golf course and let your actions do the talking.
As a new grandfather of twins, Sylvester was just as proud as I was. This was just another part of my life where he would mentor and share with me his wisdom and stores about his grandkids.
Sylvester's spirit and legacy will live forever. Love, John B. Hall
26. Uncle Syl, we love you and will miss you. -- Kim and Scooter & Mike, Jr. and Tow anna
27. Uncle Syl, you are the best. We love you. -- Tommy and Craig

28. We've all heard the saying, "appreciate them while they're here because you're going to miss them when they're gone." Well now I can truly vouch for that. When you speak of my granddad you may say friend, mentor, father, father figure, brother, uncle, cousin, husband, but I see him as an idol, her and a great man I'm proud to have had 24 years to be blessed with his presence and share his wisdom and unconditional love. Honored am I to be able to carry on the Sylvester name and I can only wish to grow and be half of what he was, is, and will always be to many of us from whenever forever. For our own selfish reasons we want him here with us on earth, but we must think of the good times and lessons he's taught us and smile because he no longer has to suffer and he can play all the golf he wants. But to quote my father, "I hope my feet grow, because we have big shoes to fill."
Sleep peacefully and check in on us from time to time, we'll always love you Granddad. You truly enjoyed life, family and friends. -- Sylvester Lamar Lewis
29. We were indeed BLESSED, Syl, by a part of God's will that we'd meet and come to know you as FRIEND. Your name speaks to God's active involvement in your life: One to whom friendship is important; one who is independent, who persevered and was determined to the end. And for this I can hear Him say, "Well done, my dear son, my good and FAITHFUL SERVANT. And for this we say, "Amen!"
Meet you in the morning. Love, Aubrey, Betty and Eric Maddox
30. Sylvester - Looking at you was like hearing the first few notes of a classic R&B tune. I know it by heart, but I can't help loving it all over again. So when you caught me just gazing at you and moving to some silently melody, just keep playing along.
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Once in a lifetime you find someone special Your lives intermingle and somehow you know this is the beginning of
something you've longed for Alone you can build on a love that will grow Once in a lifetime to those who are blessed a miracle happens
and dreams do come true
I know it can happen - It happened to us!
For we've found that once in a lifetime together.

Pallbearers
Family Members and Friends
Honorary Pallbearers
Roger Butler Donald Powell
T.J. Lewis John Hall, Jr. James Freeman
Ed Wolfe
Flower Ladies
Ben Hill United Methodist Church
An important message from Sylvester to ALL men!
- "PSA testing is very important" -
The Lewis, Washington-Scott, Jones families wish to thank Emory University Hospital, inclucling the Laboratory D epartment, Emergency Services, Winship Cancer Center, D r. I<.uchuck and Staff, Emory Vista Care, Ben Hill UMC family, relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances for their acts of kindness, support, assistance, calls, sittings and talks shown and shared during our hours of need.
Gus Thornhill Funeral Home 1315 Gus Thornhill Jr., Drive
East Point, GA 30344 (404) 768-2993