Mrs. Mary L. Lewis, 82 of Jacksonville, AR departed this life on Sunday, March 2, 2025. She was born May 20, 1942 in Little Rock, AR to the late Joseph Jackson, Sr. and Bessie Lee (Anderson) Jackson. Mary grew up in McAlmont, Arkansas, where she attended school and graduated from the Pulaski County Training School Class of 1958.
She embraced Christianity and confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. She joined Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, under the leadership of the late Dist. Elder Robert L. Williams Sr., Mary was fully committed as a Missionary and Usher. She cherished her church family and her Officiating Pastor Elaine Edward’s, (lineage of her late father Dist. Elder Robert L. Williams).
Missionary Lewis remained a devoted and humble servant as the Mother of the Church until her passing. She was a self-taught organist and harmonica player! She loved dressing elegantly, taking pride in her jewelry, many hats, large purses and boots. Most importantly, she lived, breathed, and carried her black or brown bible and some blessing oil everywhere. Throughout many timeless conversations which she oftentimes would mention “The Lord’s Willing”.
Missionary Lewis was formerly married and divorced to the late Otis Davis Jr., From their union one son Otis (Cynthia) Davis III (June), from Dallas, TX; Three daughters Kathyleen (Davis) Stewart from Jacksonville, AR. Her children Duranda (Ran) and Daphne both passed before the age of one.
Prior to marrying her sweetheart the late Lester L. Lewis, she had already given birth to a miracle child, the late Teresa Davis-Lewis who passed away on Christmas Day of 2020 at the age of 43.
Missionary Lewis, among other jobs, worked as a cook at St. Vincent Hospital before becoming a proud house for 20 years until her husband’s passing in 2004.
Mary peacefully passed away at age 82 on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, at 2:50 am at St. Bernard's Medical Center, Jonesboro AR with her daughter, son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren by her side. She was the oldest sibling and she is proceeded in death by her parents, husband, three daughters, one sister Thelma Jackson-Thompson, and one brother Elmer Jackson.
She leaves to cherish one son, one daughter, five grandchildren: Troy Davis of Atlanta, GA; Latia Powell (Tia), Dominique (Dekylon) Jones, and Shawnise Powell-Cain (Niecy) from Jacksonville, AR. Nine great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and church family members.
We will miss her uplifting daily prayers, laughter, straight-forward personality, her warm hugs
and smiles.
Missionary Lewis's visitation will be held 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Friday, March 14, 2025 at the funeral home chapel.
A Celebration of Life service for Missionary Lewis will be held 10:00 am, Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, 5901 Holly Street, Wrightsville, AR, followed by interment at Arkansas Memorial Gardens, 8507 Hwy 161, NLR, AR.
Services entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 8821 Colonel Glenn, Little Rock, AR. "IN YOUR TIME OF NEED...WE CARE."
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Mary L. Lewis, visit the Tribute Store.
