Florence Marion Lewis

Florence Marion Lewis of Little Rock, Ark. passed peacefully on February 9, 2013. Her loving survivors include: one son, William Robert Reed Jr. (Bertha) of Little Rock; three daughters, Doris Jordan (Ronald) of Chicago, Illinois, Marion Lewis and Patricia Lewis of Little Rock; one sister, Doris Perry (Scott) of Alexandria, Louisiana; and 15 special grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and the many many people who lovingly referred to her as their "GRANNY". She was involved with the non-profit outreach of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas for 43 years. In 1969 she cofounded St. Francis House along with Granny Fannel and Father Flannagan. This facility began offering services to the poor and underserved in 1970. She became the first paid social worker at St. Francis House taking charge of the facility clothing and food distribution. Each year, for Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter she organized basket filled with food, gifts and clothing to be distributed to low income families and seniors. Mrs. Lewis volunteer activities included Sunday School teaching, the Kairos Prison Ministry and a Girl Scout Troop leader for 50 years. She was place in the Girls Scouts Hall of Fame. She was a camp recruiter for Summer Celebration in which she acquired scholarships for children to attend this camp. There have been three "Florence Lewis Scholarship" awarded in her honor. She is a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star Elizabeth Chapter #30. She has received numerous plaques and certificates for her many years of love and service to the community that she loved. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, February 15, 2013, 10 a.m., at Trinity Cathedral, 310 W. 17th St., Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow at Little Rock National Cemetery, 2523 Confederate Blvd., Little Rock, Ark. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013, 6-8 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305. Donations can be made to Florence Lewis Scholarship Fund in care of Good Sheppard Episcopal Church, 2701 S. Elm Little Rock, Ark. 72204.