Laura Jean Lewis

Laura Jean Mahler Lewis passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio on July 21, 1947, the only child of Patricia and Lee Mahler. She was known as “Jeannie” to her family and especially to her only two cousins, George and Ginger, who were more like a brother and sister.  She was baptized in1957 in the Christian faith (First Baptist Church, Hamilton, Ohio) which began her quest to serve God throughout her life. 

After completing her college degree at John Brown University in Arkansas, Laura chose to do mission work in Rhodesia (Africa) (now known as Zimbabwe). She served there for many years where she met and married her husband, John Lewis.  Because of political upheaval in the country, Laura and John left Rhodesia and spent a brief time in England with John’s family before permanently relocating to Spring Hill, Florida with Laura’s mother.  She then taught school (primarily history and geography) in a Christian school for several years and later in the public school system.   

Laura and John loved to sing and joined choral groups in the area that performed programs at Christmas and other times throughout the year.  She loved to praise God in song.  Laura never met a stranger and enjoyed meeting people of all nationalities.   

After retiring from teaching, she was fortunate to be able to take several trips to satisfy both her love of traveling and her intense interest in history and geography.  She traveled to several locations to which she has not previously been able to go.  Egypt and India were the first places she visited; then China, Australia, and New Zealand. Her final trip was a beautiful Alaskan cruise with Evangelist Perry Stone and his group.

Laura was forever grateful for the love and assistance from her wonderful neighbors, Don and Debra Dobias, for assistance in caring for her home during her travels and her long bout with illness. 

Laura is preceded in death by her father and mother (Patricia Mahler in 1997 and Lee Mahler in 1978) and her husband John Lewis in 2015.  She also recently lost her beloved cousin George Hampton in February 2021. 

The verse which describes Laura the best is found in Galatian 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”  Throughout her life she exhibited each of the Fruit of the Spirit and she will be missed by those who shared their life with her. 

She now celebrates her life with her Lord Jesus Christ and rests with Him today, as he tells her,

“Well done my good and faithful servant.”

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352)796-6699

"Family Owned & Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com