Congressman John Lewis' Wife Passed Away Monday Morning, 12/31
Lillian Lewis passed away on the morning of December 31, 2012.
The office of Congressman John Lewis has confirmed that his wife Lillian passed away Monday morning, December 31st in Atlanta, GA.
Congressman John Lewis and his wife were married in 1968, Lillian Lewis died at the age of 73. They have a son together, by the name of John-Miles.
Lillian is said to have played a major role in the civil rights movement at the side of the longtime GA congressman.
According to the AJC, "Lillian attended Los Angeles High School with the late Johnny Cochran, received an undergraduate degree in English from California State College (now California State University) at Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in library science at the University of Southern California."
John and Lillian met at a New Year's Eve party which was being held at Xernona Clayton's house. Now after 44 years of marriage, Mrs. Lillian Lewis passed away on New Year's eve.
Here is an excerpt from John Lewis' memoir, "Walking with Wind", on how his wife influenced him to run for congress.
“She had always been very involved in politics, much more than I. She had been a delegate (supporting Shirley Chisholm) to the Democratic National Convention in ’72, and she was constantly active in a variety of local circles and organizations. She was outgoing, involved, intelligent and great in front of an audience — she could make a speech. She also knew how to organize, how to chair a meeting, the nitty-gritty stuff. When she finally said, ‘Let’s do it. Let’s go for it,’ that was enough. We were in,”
No word yet has been given as it relates to funeral arrangements or cause of death. Friends have reported that Lillian had been sick for an extended length of time, but did not know the actual cause of death.
Send your thoughts and prayers to the Congressman in the Comments Section below.
Award-winning author, playwright, and local resident, Pearl Cleage, had this to say about Mrs. Lillian Lewis:
She was an activist herself and also fully supported the work of her husband, Congressman John Lewis. I knew Lillian as a friend and as a person who loved the work of black authors. It was an honor to know her. My husband, Zaron Burnett, and I offer our prayers and sympathies to Congressman Lewis.
Marc Richardson
3:56 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
So sad to hear this news, our thoughts are with you Mr. Congressman.
erie
4:02 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
When you see a great man!You just have to know theres a great woman near.Rip and blessings.
pearl cleage
5:53 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
I was saddened by this news. Lillian Lewis was a wonderful woman. She was an activist herself and also fully supported the work of her husband, Congressman John Lewis. I knew Lillian as a friend and as a person who loved the work of black authors. It was an honor to know her. My husband, Zaron Burnett, and I offer our prayers and sympathies to Congressman Lewis. Pearl Cleage
B.FLOWERS
8:03 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
May God continue to Bless you & your family during this sad time & always & bring you Peace.
NBF
8:39 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
Our Deepest Condolences are extended to Congressman John Lewis during this time of loss. Words could never replace but soothe your pain. May God continues to cover you and your Family.
Dr. John M. Browne
10:28 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
Our Deepest Condolences to you Congressman Lewis and your family. We are deeply saddened by Your and Our lost.
Your former Neighbors,
John and Irene Browne
Eugene Walden, III
1:58 am on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Rest in Peace, Dear Heroine. It is so refreshing to read a story in this day and age of One who dedicated the entire life so selflessly to their beliefs, causes, and loved ones. Those are the sort of sentiments and reminiscences that were commonplace in a bygone age.
Cynthia Harper
12:20 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
I am so sorry to learn of this news. May God bless Congressman Lewis and his family.
Cynthia Harper of the C Harper Show
Theodore Lee
1:03 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Lee Family, Theo, Delicia, Tre', Tariq, Tai, Toure' and T'ien send our prayers, condolences and Love to the Lewis family. We thank God for the driving force of Congressman Lewis. We will always remember you Mrs. Lewis as the "Queen of Civil Rights!"
May the peace of the Holy Spirit comfort the Lewis family!
I.M. Spence-Lewis M.D.
1:55 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Condolences to Congressman Lewis and family. Prayers and the sustaining Love of God will gently comfort the family while grieving.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
I.M. Spence-Lewis M.D.
Gladys Turner Lee
1:58 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
My sincere condolences and the Love of Jesus Christ are shared with Congressman John Lewis and family. I cherish and appreciate the priceless 2012 Christmas card received from Congressman and Mrs. John Lewis. God's Love is infinite! Together we pray!
Gladys Turner Lee MBC'63
Brooks County, "Quitman 10+2"
Reggie Dunbar ll
2:53 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
GOD has called your partner and HIS servant home. Be blessed for the time HE shared her with you and us. Prayers & care are with you and your family servant and Congressman Lewis.
Reggie Dunbar ll
Georgia Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise
Atlanta GA
Babs Onabanjo
3:56 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Our heartfelt condolences, sympathy and prayers are shared with Congressman John Lewis and his family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Lillian Lewis rest in perfect peace. Your memory will reign supreme in our hearts, and you will be missed.
Mrs. Naomi Barber Ruth King
Dr. Babs Onabanjo
A. D. King Foundation, Inc
Atlanta, Georgia
John Richards
8:17 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. My heartfelt condolences to the Lewis family.
John Richards
Luis Camacho
9:43 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Congressman Lewis - I've met you and your wife on several occasions while you were going about routine activities in and around Atlanta. I was always impressed by your attentiveness to her and marveled as to how much in love you two appeared. I am certain that this loss is knee-buckling, and my heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Alice
10:05 am on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Behind every successful man, their is a devoted wife/woman, thank you Mrs. Lewis for being an unselfish wife and mother.
Alice
afrika steele
8:04 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Sorry for your lose my god bless you john lewis you done so much for black people we all thank you so much
Dr Deadrea Miller
9:19 pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Lewis Family at their time of bereavement. Mrs Lewis served as a General for the Civil Rights Movement and the making of history. For her works the Nation says thank-you... May God comfort you Congressman Lewis.
Dr Deadrea J. Miller