Minerva Octavia Jones-Lewis

Minerva Octavia Carr Lewis was born March 11,1928 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the eldest of two children born to the late Paul and Gertrude Jones (her sister Marjorie Jones Henson preceded her in death). She was educated in the Baltimore City School system; She furthered her education at Coppin State College of Baltimore, Maryland. She majored in Early Childhood Education. She later obtained a Master’s Degree in Education also. After graduating from high school she married the late Daniel Carr. From this union they had one son, Dorian Carr, Sr. In 1959 she married the late James D. Lewis; they were blessed with one son, Keita D. Lewis. Her teaching experiences began at the Cherry Hill Elementary Schools. She also taught at several other Baltimore City elementary schools. She retired from Tench Tilghman Elementary School #13 in 1978 as a reading specialist. Minerva was currently working in the Retired Teacher’s Education Program for the Baltimore City Public School System at the Fort Dallas Nicholas Elementary School # 39, where she diligently worked with primary grade students. Her passion was educating, especially first graders.Deacon Lewis loved her God, her pastors and members of Sharon. This was evident in her involvement in all phases of the church's programs. One of her greatest joys was when Dr. Vaughn elevated her to the Deacon Board on November 17, 1996. At present, she was the very fine President of the Dr. James L. Moore Birthday Circle serving with determination and fortitude. In 1984 she was appointed by Lillian Taylor, President to serve as Librarian for the Inspirational Choir. She served in this capacity with dedication, pride and joy. She was currently serving as one the Coordinators for the Inspirational Choir, Deacon Lewis was also a member of the Women’s Chorus, Sanctuary Choir, the Matrons Missionary Society, Sunday School, Gilmor Elementary/Sharon Partnership and has worked in the Daily vacation Bible School. She was a member of the Progressive Baptist Convention and served as Secretary on the Congress of Christian Education Board. Minerva joined Sharon under the pastorate of the late Dr. James L. Moore and has been a very active, caring and faithful member for more than forty years. She loved people, the young, and elderly and was never too busy to lend a helping hand in the church, school, and neighborhood or wherever the need arose. She went that “extra mile” –We will miss her! Minerva joined the Order of Eastern Star having served in the Maggie C. Upshur Chapter #53 as a Past Matron, served in the Grand Ruth and Myra Grand Chapter and was a member of Delta Tau Chapter, Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. She was also and affiliate member of a “Birthday Circle” with former and present teachers and educators. She leaves to cherish fond memories two sons, Dorian B. Carr, Sr., and Keita D. Lewis; seven grandchildren, Dorian B. Carr, II, India K. Carr, Damon Carr, Dartanyan Carr, Octavia Carr, Tatyana Lewis and stepson, Reginald Lewis, Jr.; four great-grandchildren Dorian III, Jessica Carr, Justin Edwards and Reginald III; two daughters-in-law, Jessica Brooks-Carr and Greta Lewis; three sisters-in-law, Doris Frank, Thelma Cromwell and Lottie Brock. A devoted cousin, Elizabeth Reed, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends and a very, very devoted friend, Bobby Lynn Lowman.

Tributes

Minerva Octavia Jones-Lewis

March 11, 1928 - August 10, 2002