Juanita C. (Cephas) Lewis

Juanita C. (Cephas) Lewis, was born in Christiana, PA on October 29, 1927, to Walter and Emma (Thompson) Cephas. She graduated from Parkesburg High School and had aspirations of being a nurse. In 1947 she married the love of her life, Lester L. Lewis, Sr., and the two of them embarked on a 69-year partnership of farming, raising four children, and providing a place for numerous friends and family could come, and eat and experience true country living. Everyone has fond memories of “being on the farm.”

Juanita was not content after the farm operations concluded. She spent over 10 years as a Volunteer Coordinator for Senior Citizens at the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center. In this position, she recruited and assigned volunteers to support Seniors within the Greater Oxford community. Juanita received numerous commendations and awards for her service to the community. Even more, she was proud of the work and grateful to serve people, who are often forgotten.

A lifelong AME, she attended Bethany AME Church in Parkesburg, PA. As well, she attended many family functions at Mt. Zion AME Church in Atglen, PA, and she and her husband eventually joined Allen AME Church in Oxford, PA where they attended for thirty years before moving to live with their children in Tennessee and Texas. At Allen, she wore many hats including Steward, Stewardess, Usher, Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, and Vacation Bible School Director. Most of all she was proud of the fact that her home was a welcome place for the pastors of Allen AMEC and their families. While in Tennesse, she became a vibrant member of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, TN.

Juanita had a sweet spirit and will be remembered and cherished by her two sons; The Honorable Jeffery L. Lewis, Sr. (Ann) of Pearland, TX; Dr. Lester L. Lewis, Jr. (Jackie) of Brentwood, TN, 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, and two children Eric and Robin.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 23, 2022, from the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, PA, 19365. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation period taking place from 10 AM until the start of the service. Interment will directly follow at Oxford Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg.  Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com