Pastor Kevin L. Lewis, LMFT

ONEIDA – Pastor Kevin L. Lewis, LMFT, age 59, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023, in the comfort and dignity of his home with his loving family by his side. Born on June 14, 1964, in Dover, Delaware, Kevin was the beloved son of Joseph and Nelli (Inman) Lewis. He was raised and educated in Winter Haven, FL, and Rochester, NY, where he completed his primary education and graduated from high school. After high school, Kevin proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Rene Heyward. On May 24, 1986, they were united in matrimony; their union was one of deep love and devotion, marked by countless cherished memories. Kevin had a great passion for education. He earned an associate degree in accounting, and a bachelor’s degree in science from SUNY. Kevin continued his education earning a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and a Theology degree from Maryland Bible College and Seminary and was pursuing a doctorate in Ed.D. Kevin's career was diverse. He worked as a bridge inspector for the NYS Department of Transportation and after several years, he served as Executive Director with the Oneida County Soil and Water Conservation District from which he retired. Concurrently, his faith led him to establish and pastor the Greater Grace Church of Utica. He loved serving his church with dedication to God and the community. Following his retirement, Kevin remained active, offering his expertise as a board member of Cornell Cooperative Extension, a counselor with Alkira Marriage and Family Therapy, and as an adjunct professor at MVCC teaching psychology. With a strong desire to give back to the local community, Kevin had a special place in his heart for Helio Health, formally Insight House. Because he truly loved to help people in need, Kevin established ADAYA Counseling Services with locations in New Hartford, Syracuse, and Rome. A man of humor, competition and fun, Kevin enjoyed coaching little league, golfing, hunting, paintballing, mountain climbing, flag football and basketball to name a “few.” He loved to take his grandson to fly their drones and spend time with his family, to whom he was extremely devoted. A man of great emotional intelligence, Kevin was humble and loyal to a fault. He loved the challenge of a good religious or political debate. Kevin enjoyed many traveling experiences, especially his missionary journeys to such places as Liberia, Ghana, Russia, Sweden, Lithuania, Siberia, Hungary, and France. He was proud to have friends all over the world. In his earlier years, he was an assistant pastor at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church of Utica and Greater Grace Christian Fellowship in Rome and accepted the role of pastor at Greater Grace Church in 2005. Kevin is survived by his beloved wife, Rene; mother, Nellie King of NC; father, Joseph Lewis of FL; son, Kowone (Bianca) Lewis-Nevith; grandson, Kaleb Alexander Lewis-Nevith of Utica; sisters, Kimberly Lewis, MD. Sonya Ellis, MD and Caprice Lewis of NC; his brother Joseph, Jr. (Ann) Lewis of NY; in-laws, Sabrina Heyward of NY, Sharon “Niscé” Thomas of NJ, Quinten (Monique) Heyward of MD, and James (Sandra) Heyward of MD. He also leaves many aunts and uncles, nieces, and nephews; especially acknowledging nieces Ebony Pringle and Kenneisha Watts, who provided loving care for their uncle; and great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his godchildren, Traci Brown, Justine Crook, and Kingston Raysor; along with a myriad of friends from all walks of life. A special acknowledgment to Carolyn Bivens, a sister-friend to Rene, for her love, support and dedication to Kevin and the entire family. Kevin was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Carrie Heyward; and brother-in-law, Samuel “Burt” Heyward. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Wade T. Hunt for his professionalism and friendship and Dr. Manzurul Sikder for his perseverance and care. Gratitude is also extended to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their unwavering care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Greater Grace Church, 1112 Ney Ave., Utica, NY. Kevin’s Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the same location, with repass to follow. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88307701551 Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Pastor Kevin L. Lewis, LMFT

June 14, 1964 - October 27, 2023