Inez Van Whitney Lewis

Inez Van Whitney Lewis departed this life Nov. 5, 2011, at the Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti. Inez was born March 7, 1930, to the late Roscoe and Ida Van Whitney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanne Lewis Pasmore, who died at the age of 49 on Sept. 6, 2008; and by two brothers and two sisters, Guy Whitney, Woodrow Whitney, Deeze Edwards and Hazel Duggar.

Mrs. Lewis leaves her husband, Billy Gene Lewis;

Three grandchildren, John Lewis Pasmore, Andrew Dallas Pasmore and Meri Beth Pasmore, and their father, Johnny Pasmore, all of Jonesboro;

One sister-in-law, Willie Whitney; and

Several nieces and nephews, along with a host of girls who were in her physical education classes, for whom she had a special love.

Mrs. Lewis was born in Harrisburg, Ark., and later moved with her family to the Blackwater Community south of Manila. She graduated from Manila High School in 1947 and then from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro with a Bachelor's of Science in Education degree. Later, she received a library science certification at the University of Mississippi. She taught in the elementary schools at Blackwater, Manila and Leachville; also one year at Elm Springs Elementary in Springdale, before coming to Steele and South Pemiscot.

Inez was united in marriage to Billy Gene Lewis of the Lost Cane Community near Manila Dec. 22, 1957. She and her husband came to Steele in 1959. She gave birth to their only daughter, Jeanne Lewis Pasmore, on Sept. 4, 1959. Inez began teaching physical education for girls in 1961. Later on, she served as high school librarian until she and her husband retired in 1988. She taught a total of 36 years.

Inez was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Steele. Her first membership was at Blackwater Baptist Church. After moving to Steele, she served in the First Baptist Church and loved her church and the Steele community.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Steele at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Visitation with the family will be from 1:30 to 2:30 Sunday. Bro. Guy Whitney Jr., Bro. Michael Funderburk and Bro. Joe Smith will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the First Baptist Church building fund would be appreciated.