Joyce Ann Lewis

Our beloved mother, Joyce Ann Lewis, entered God’s Kingdom on December 29, 2021 at 7:20 a.m.

 

Joyce Hester Lewis was born to Estella and William Hester on December 21, 1957 in Marvell, Arkansas.  Joyce went on to graduate from Marvell High School in 1975.  She pursued and obtained her degree in Early Childhood Development from Phillips County Community College.  She had a passion for teaching children.  Her motto was, “The early years are the important years.”  She taught pre-kindergarten and become an entrepreneur starting her own daycare, (Joytown Daycare).

 

Our mother, Joyce Ann Lewis, was one of the strongest, most vibrant, and loving women to ever walk this earth.  Our family was extremely blessed to have her as the head of the family.  In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Joyce also loved gardening, photography, attending church functions, spending time with family and friends, putting smiles on people’s faces, and traveling.

 

Joyce was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost.  She loved the church and loved sharing the love and warmth of our savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible.  She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age at Asbury Church in Marvell, Arkansas, and she was presently an active member of White Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God. 

 

She was preceded in death by her parents:  Estella and William Hester; her siblings:  Odella Kennedy, Theola Perez, Ora Lee Sample, Earl Hester, James Hester, Hosey Hester, Christine Martin, Clattie Banks, Shirley McDade,  Alsie Preston, and Gloria Riley.

 

She leaves to cherish loving memories and will be greatly missed by her son:  Carlos Drayton of Tupelo, Mississippi; her daughter:  Keena Lewis of Washington, D.C.; her loving companion: pet Bishop Drayton; two (2) sisters:  Jessie Calvin of Sacramento, California; and Linda (Johnny) Straughn of Omaha, Nebraska; two (2) brothers:  Johnny Lee (Aline) Hester of Chicago, Illinois; and Walter Hester of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of nieces,nephews, cousins, and friends.