Dorothy Lewis

May 21, 1926 ~ July 24, 2018
Dorothy Kennedy Lewis of Longview, previously of Ore City, passed away July 24th at the age of 92. She worked in many roles as a homemaker, wife, mother, teacher, and civic leader. Dorothy married John William Lewis of Waco, Texas on December 27, 1950. John and Dorothy moved to Longview a few years later where they worked together to raise their four children. In 1964, she decided to attend Kilgore College, not sure of what she wanted to pursue. She graduated with an Associate Degree in 1967 but went on to pursue a Bachelor's Degree from East Texas Baptist College where she decided to become a teacher. Afterwards, she attended East Texas State University and received a master’s degree in 1971. She was hired by Ore City ISD to teach history and science. She fell in love with teaching always wanting to build relationships and help students whenever she could. Dorothy sponsored several clubs and activities, and after a student asked her to sponsor a drill team to help build spirit at Rebel games, Dorothy received permission to begin the Rebeletts. Summers were spent at drill team camp at SMU wherein 1976, Dorothy was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the American Drill Team School. Over the next several years, the Rebeletts represented Ore City High School at football and basketball games, parades and competitions. In 1992, she returned to her hometown of Dayton, Texas where she was extremely active in many civic clubs and organizations. She loved the idea of restoring old landmarks and worked tirelessly organizing and raising money for beautification projects around town.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John W. Lewis; granddaughter, Emily Strode; and two brothers, Holton and Joe Kennedy.She is survived by four children: Holton David Lewis and wife Cue of Washington, Texas, John William Lewis II and wife Gail of Hallsville, Connie Yvonne Player and husband Mike of Longview, Lynn Henderson and husband Jay of Longview; 13 grandchildren: Jenifer Dean and husband Robert, Richard Martin and wife Sherri, Jason Martin, Johnna Craig and husband Danny, Tod Lewis, Shannon Perkins and husband Ken, Joshua Lewis, Travis House and wife, Jessi, Elissa Ewers and husband, Richard, Michael Player and wife, Vanessa, Brian Player, Elizabeth Panell and husband Jason, Jonathan Henderson and wife Jennifer; 26 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Kim Joiner of Compass Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Texas Scottish Rites Hospital: 222 Welborn St, Dallas, Texas 75219.
Services for Dorothy Lewis, will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2018, at Reeder-Davis Funeral Home Chapel in Ore City. Burial will follow at Ore City Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Ore City. There will be a time of visitation from 6:00 until 8:00 Thursday evening at the funeral home.
So sorry to hear the sad news. She was One of the best women have ever known. So many memories that I will always have. Love to you all.
She was one of my favorite teachers in high school, teaching one of my favorite subjects.
Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and educator. Some of my fondest memories of childhood are of getting to see her in the stands of Rebel Field in Ore City guiding the Rebelettes during their performances. Truly a wonderful woman. Say hello to PaPa and Emily for me. I take comfort in the fact that we will ALL be together again someday. I love and you WILL be missed.
Mrs. Lewis your wings were ready for you but none of your students were ready. Go rest in peace you deserve it..
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you all find comfort in your treasured memories. I cherish the memories I have with her.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Lewis’ family. She was a great teacher and I was proud to say she was one of my favorite teachers at Ore City High. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Lewis. All the memories coming back to me. Ghost stories in class….and she borrowed a top from me once when she traveled to Venezuela (I think it was). And there was the infamous senior trip to Galveston. That may have been the last year of the senior trip. Take care of yourselves…losing your Mom is hard.
May each day be filled with the beautiful life she shared with each of you. She was a special teacher, instructor & mentor to so many and a lot of fun to travel with. Loving and kind are a few words to know her by. A mother who loved her family dearly. My prayers lift each of you. Faith~Hope-Love, Sheila
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful lady. Prayers to all the family
My condolences to the family. I have prayed that God help you through this time of grief. In the near future, God promises to change this earth for the better. Revelation 21:4 tells us that death, pain, tears and sorrow will be done away with. Psalm 37:10,11 tells us that evil men will be gone and people will live on earth in peace. Verse 29 tells us they will live forever on earth. For those who have died, Jesus promises a resurrection of those in the graves. What a wonderful hope, to perhaps be reunited with our dead loved ones, and be able to life forever as a family. I hope this helps a little. There is much more at jw.org. Steve
Sweet lady, she will be missed. Prayers for all the family.
My condolences is the passing of Dorothy .
Dear Lewis family. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Lewis. I have such fond memories as a young kid of your folks and family. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. God Bless.
Connie & Lynn, deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. I remember when she & I were roommates when the Rebelettes went to camp.
Dorothy was a really special person and will be greatly missed.
I am so sorry to see where Dorothy has recently passed. She was a wonderful godly woman. I was staying in contact with her from time to time since she moved away from our area to be closer to family. In the last couple of years I lost contact with her when she was unable to give me any information herself. Loved Her. Delinda Dutton Mont Belvieu Church of Christ delindadutton@aol.com