Linda Mae Lewis

Linda Mae Lewis, was born to the late George and Beulah Terry Giggetts on November 10, 1943, in Pittsylvania County, VA. Linda graduated with honors from Southside High School in Blairs, Virginia in 1960. When Linda came to Chester in the late 70’s, she met and married her late husband Wilbur Lewis Sr. on April 27,1986. Linda became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She later moved her membership to First Faith Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor M.R McKnight. She was a Missionary, Pastor’s Aide, Vacation Bible School teacher, and a member of the kitchen committee. In 1986, Linda completed a course at Delaware County Institute of Training in Security. She was ranked as sergeant in her class. She worked as a Nurse Aide at Fair Acres, and a Direct Care Counselor at Life Path Inc. Linda’s ultimate passion was to love, care for, and educate children. Linda’s journey started at Head Start in 1986, followed by Concord Day Care Center in 1987. Head Start is where Linda achieved her Teacher’s Aide Certifications, and countless awards. Linda also gained employment with Chester Upland School District in 1991 and volunteered in later years prior to her retirement in 2014. Linda loved children so much that she became a foster parent for Children and Youth Services. Linda opened her home to children that needed respite care, temporary, and permanent placement. Linda was known for being loving, compassionate, strong, extraordinary, and intuitive. If you knew her then you knew she was very selfless. She enjoyed shopping, jewelry, makeup, watching Jerry Springer, Maury, Tyler Perry Movies, Sherri Shepherd, and The Jennifer Hudson Show. She also enjoyed calling into the prayer line and she loved to sing. Her favorite song being “Yes God is Real.” Her faith in God was strong, she would often say “I have my faith in God, and God brought me this far. I have no desire to turn back”. She was resilient and persevered throughout many trials in her life. Linda was there for many people whether it’d be a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, giving them words of encouragement. Linda was preceded in death by; Parents George and Beulah Terry Giggetts, husband Wilbur Lewis Sr., sisters; Queen Esther (Giggetts) Womack, Odarius Giggetts, and Patricia (Giggetts) Sydnor; brothers; Jessie Giggetts and Dennis Giggetts. Linda leaves to cherish her memory; 6 children; Malinda Olivera (Othello), Wilbur Lewis, Latifah Lewis (Shamar), Klara Lewis, Darren Lewis, and Jeremy Lewis. Linda has 10 grandchildren: Sa’rah Olivera, Othello Olivera Jr, Aaliyah Lewis, Amaya Blaydes-Lewis, Amani Blaydes, Shamir Blaydes, Amare Weathers, Shai Weathers, Nayeli Rodriuez, Jeremiah Jadiel Gonzalez, and another one on the way. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Linda Mae Lewis

November 10, 1943 - June 8, 2023