Ethel Lewis

Biography

Ethel Gertrude Lazar Lewis, 97, passed from this life on January 12, 2016. She was born in New York City to immigrant parents, the middle of five children. Ethel grew up in Miami, Florida, where she met her husband Ray. They spent many years traveling on their motorcycle before settling in Panama City, Florida. Their marriage was fun-filled with travel, fishing, card-playing, and family.

Ethel’s joy of living touched everyone who met her. Through the years, she opened her home to many relatives, friends and even people she didn’t know and gave them all a place to stay, comfort and love, and plenty of home-cooked meals. She had an exciting career as a court reporter at Tyndall AFB for 25 years. Upon retirement she worked part-time with the Bay County Courthouse and became an active member and officer in the Panama City Garden Club and TOPS club.

She was a member of the St. Andrew Baptist Church of Panama City, Florida, for over fifty years before moving to Havana, Florida, to live with her daughter, Diana. At that time, she moved her membership to Havana First Baptist Church. During her years with the church, she taught Sunday School, gave WMU study courses, sang in the choir and lived and shared her Christian life and beliefs with all she met.

She is survived by her daughter Diana Ledbetter, son-in-law Tony Ledbetter, three grandsons Stephen Ledbetter (Heidi), Stuart Ledbetter, Adam Ledbetter and a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives. She was predeceased by her husband of forty-three years, Ray Lewis.

A celebration of her life and visitation with the family will be held Friday, January 15, 2016 from 5 to 7 pm at Faith Funeral Home of Havana. A graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 16 at 12 pm CST at Greenwood Cemetery, Panama City.

Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity or to the First Baptist Church of Havana.

Faith Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements (850-539-4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com )

Visitation

Friday January 15, 2016, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Faith Funeral Home Chapel
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Graveside Funeral Service

Saturday January 16, 2016, 12 Noon - CST at Greenwood Cemetery
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