Inez Van Whitney Lewis

Monday, November 7, 2011

Inez Van Whitney Lewis departed this life on Nov. 5, 2011, at the Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti, Mo. Inez was born on March 7, 1930, to the late Roscoe and Ida Van Whitney.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanne Lewis Pasmore, who died at the age of 49 on Sept. 26, 2008; by two brothers and two sisters, Guy Whitney and Woodroe Whitney, Deeze Edwards and Hazel Duggar.

Inez is survived by her husband, Billy Gene Lewis, and three grandchildren, John Lewis Pasmore, Andrew Dallas Pasmore and Meri Beth Pasmore and their father, Johnny Pasmore, all of Jonesboro; and one sister-in-law, Willie Whitney. She also leaves several nieces and nephews. Inez left a host of girls who were in her physical education classes. She had a special love for them.

Inez was born at Harrisburg, Ark., and later moved with her family to the Blackwater community located south of Manila, Ark. Inez graduated from Manila High School in 1947 and graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark., with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Later she received a library science certification at the University of Mississippi. She taught in the elementary schools at Blackwater, Manila, and Leachville, also one year at Elm Springs Elementary in Springdale, Ark., before coming to Steele.

Inez was united in marriage to Billy Gene Lewis of the Lost Cane community near Manila on Dec. 22, 1957. Inez and her husband came to Steele in 1959. Inez gave birth to their only daughter, Jeanne Lewis Pasmore, on Sept. 4, 1959. She began teaching physical education for girls in 1961. Later she served as high school librarian until she and her husband retired in 1988. She taught a total of 36 years.

Inez was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Steele. Her first membership was at Blackwater Baptist church. After moving to Steele she served in the First Baptist Church and loved her church and the Steele community.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Steele on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 p.m. Visitation with the family will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Brother Guy Whitney, Jr., Brother Michael Funderburk, and Brother Joe Smith will officiate.

The family requests in lieu of flowers a memorial to the First Baptist Church building fund would be appreciated.