Jean Marie Webb Lewis, age 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2024, after a long battle with dementia. Jean was a beautiful and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend who lived a full and good life for the first 80 years. Born in Nashville on November 9, 1933 to Wallace and Myrtle Webb, Jean was their only child. Her parents gave Jean the foundation of love and faith that would mark the rest of her life. Apart from a few years in Washington, DC during her childhood, Jean lived in Middle Tennessee. A member of the North High School class of 1952, Jean not only excelled in her studies, but she was also active in multiple clubs, captain of the cheerleading squad, played basketball, worked in the office and still had time for dancing, sewing and piano. Her favorite hobby of shopping was also well established. Jean would always be known for her friendly, outgoing nature and impeccable style.
During high school Jean met and fell in love with Felix Lewis, Jr., and they married in 1953. The young family moved to Hermitage Hills in 1959 to be near friends and family. Jean and Felix were faithful members of Donelson First Baptist Church. Felix was also an only child, but they both had a large network of extended family and so many friends. While Felix was in the military, he met 4 other guys from Nashville. Thus began a friendship that would last the rest of their lives. The 5 couples married within the same year and shared so many good and bad times. A highlight of many trips together over the years was their 25th anniversary trip to Hawaii in addition to lots of vacations in Florida. One survives, today.
Travel was a big part of their lives. Felix received several awards for his work with BMW and Volkswagen that resulted in trips to Germany or the Caribbean. Felix’s heart transplant in the early 90’s brought an end to their world travels and complications would ultimately take his life in 1996 leaving Jean brokenhearted. She turned her attention to her family, her network of friends and her church. Work also became a respite.
Jean’s working career began at National Life Insurance Co. where she remained until her sons, David & Buzzy were born. While they were in elementary school, Jean worked as a crossing guard and was very involved in their school activities. She started working for the Tennessee State Fair in the 70’s and would work there until 2000 when she decided that working sale days at Manheim Auto Auction were enough. She retired from Manheim in 2007.
In addition to her sons, David (Jamie) Lewis and Walter “Buzzy” (Terri) Lewis, Jean is survived by four grandchildren: Chelsea (Logan) Howell, Chris Lewis, Westley (Katherine) Lewis, and Lyndsey (Chris) Jones as well as 4 great-grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life.
A gathering of friends and family will be held Wed. Aug. 28th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Thurs. Aug. 29th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Hermitage Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held Thurs. Aug. 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Hermitage Funeral Home with Stephen Fisher officiating. Pallbearers are Lindsey Jones, Chelsea Howell, Logan Howell, Chris Lewis, Westley Lewis, and Chuck Rice. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Donelson First Baptist Church. The family is grateful for your cards, calls and visits over the past 10 years.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Lewis family at www.HermitageFH.com.
