Betty Jean Lewis

SYRACUSE – Betty Jean Lewis transitioned from this walk of life into the next on her 84th birthday, Saturday, March 12, 2022, with her loving family by her side. Betty was born in Dublin, Georgia, on March 12, 1938, to the late James, Sr., and Borndell (Wright) Lewis. During her early years, Betty was raised and educated in Georgia and Florida. Later, in 1971, she relocated to Utica to be closer to family. At times throughout her life, Betty shared in relationships by which she was blessed with three children. She was a good mom who raised her children well. Betty kept the whole family together and grew to be a matriarch for her loved ones. Both loving and caring, Betty would go on to become an amazing grandma as her host of grandchildren were born; they in turn loved her very deeply and to many she was their best friend and mentor, always pointing them in the right direction. Betty’s home was a mainstay for family get-togethers. Her kitchen table saw many meals, challenging card games, and lots of great times. Betty was an excellent cook who was famous for her dressing, which had a memorable taste and was a favorite for all. Betty had a talent when it came to fixing hair, whether it was styling, beading, or corn rolling – everybody loved grandma’s attention. A Saturday night ritual included preparing “plates” for the church community, and she did so with much joy and pride. Parties and gatherings were always better when Betty was a part of them. She was an “Old Milwaukee Gal,” but she could also relish a good nap in the middle of enjoying her spirits. She was known to frequently say, “I am not sleeping, I am just resting my eyes, and I heard everything you said!” So as we fondly remember, Betty was bit of a jokester who loved to laugh and always had a smile on her face. In the 1990s, Betty once again relocated to Syracuse to care for her son until his passing. She appreciated the friendships she made there while holding on to her Utica family and acquaintances. Betty was mentally astute and enjoyed her crossword puzzles as well as physically assembling a puzzle by hand. She enjoy daily outings for various goings-on. A woman of many interests, Betty delighted in filling her days with pursuing a fun time. During the weekdays, she could be found participating in a variety of activities through the Salvation Army, including bingo, bowling, visiting various sites of Syracuse, and developing good friendships. A memorable time with her family was the summer event of “Taste of Syracuse,” where they could remember her exciting fondness for “wine slushies.” Some might think this to be a chore, but Betty found cooking very enjoyable. Crafting also filled her days and she had memorable pictures upon the walls of her home. Fishing was also a pastime and if you were fortunate enough to be in her company when she casted a line, you could see how much she enjoyed it. She was a long-time member of the former New Bethel Baptist Church. There, she faithfully attended Sunday services, and was an usherette and choir member. A true believer, Betty instilled in her children and the following generations knowledge of the Lord. Betty’s faith guided her throughout all of her life journey. Betty is survived by her son, Ulysses Lewis, Sr.; and her daughter, Kemmela “Kim” Lewis. She is now reunited with her son, Larry Lewis, who preceded her. Betty leaves behind many adored grandchildren, Justin Hymes, and Tyrone Lewis; Denisha Ruffin, Ulysses Lewis, Jr., Casandra Ruffin, Gabrielle Martinez, Danielle Martinez, Shanequa Lewis, and Ashley Pierce; Jonathan Lewis, Deshauna Jackson, Akeem Lewis (Amanda), Quondale Jackson, Tyreese Lewis, Kristina Davis, and Tommie Davis. Betty was preceded by her granddaughter, Michelle Leggett-Lewis. She will be lovingly remembered by her 35 great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert Lewis; and her sister, Lola “SisterGal” Chairman. Betty was preceded by her siblings, James Lewis, Jr., Mary Lee “Minnie” Chairman, Lela Mae Brown, and Lillian “Loretta” Lewis, as well as several other siblings who passed away in infancy. Betty will live on in the hearts of a host of nieces and nephews, including Shawanda, Ben, Velma, Latanya (Rob), Letitia (Blossom), and Naqun; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Betty was a “partner in crime” with her long-time and amusing friends, Flowreen Spratt, Winifred Daniels, and Edith Spratt; she was preceded by special friends, Lela Mae, and Carrie Lou Spratt Patterson. The family would like to extend a “thank you” to the ICU nurses in 6I and 6K at Upstate Medical University, especially Amy Bennett, for the compassion and kindness with which she watched over Betty Jean. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 1108 Court St. Betty’s Home Going Service will commence upon the conclusion of visitation at 3:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Betty Jean Lewis

March 12, 1938 - March 12, 2022