Jeanette Martin Lewis went to her heavenly home on October 6, 2023. She was a strong and gracious woman who humbly loved God and her family. She set an example for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others that will forever influence them.
Mrs. Lewis was born in Canon, Georgia, to parents Lonnie Gerome and Velma Starr Martin. In 1954, she married Rev. Furman Brown Lewis of Hartwell, Georgia, and they were blessed in marriage for 65 years. They were long-time residents of Clarkesville, Georgia, and members of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She was a faithful pastor’s wife throughout her husband’s career of service to Baptist churches in Georgia. Jeanette was among the seventh generation of the Starr-Martin family to be tent-holders at Poplar Springs Methodist Campground, where she attended faithfully all her life. She was active in the Baptist Women’s Missionary Union and previously served on the state board. She enjoyed working in the Habersham County School System prior to her retirement.
Possessing a true servant’s heart, Mrs. Lewis faithfully cared for family and friends and took pleasure in sharing her gift of hospitality. She catered for many weddings and events, enjoyed participating in the Clarkesville Garden Club and spearheading mission projects. Her life was enriched by travel, serving in the church, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.
Mrs. Lewis was preceded in death by her husband, Furman Lewis, daughter, Laura Lewis Owens, and infant granddaughter, Brittany Reabold. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Susan Lewis Ellis and David Ellis (Venice, FL); daughter and son-in-law, Martha Lewis Reabold and Tony Reabold (Fair Play, SC). Grandchildren, Sarah Anne Owens and fiancée Michael Sloman, Lila and Ansley Ellis, Geoffrey and Emma Reabold and Greg and Lauren Reabold; Great-grandsons, Jackson Reabold, Cooper Reabold, and Hudson Reabold; brother, Ray Martin, and many nieces and nephews.
Her family rejoices that because of her salvation in Jesus Christ, she is whole and at peace with her Creator, although her living presence will be greatly missed. Those who wish to remember Mrs. Lewis may make a donation to either: Poplar Springs Methodist Campground (c/o Alan Burton, P.O. Box 40, Lavonia, GA 30553) or the Brittany Reabold Memorial Scholarship at Truett McConnell University (100 Alumni Dr., Cleveland, GA 30528).
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Clarkesville, GA. The family will receive friends at the church on the same day from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m.
“A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done.’” Proverbs 31:30-31
An online guest book is available for the family at www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.
Funeral arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256.
