Celebrating the life of.... Rev. Vernon Jerome Lewis, Sr.
June 5, 1944 - May 7, 2021
Public Visitation: Wednesday, May 12, 2021
1pm- 6pm
S.E. Thomas Funeral & Cremation Services
110 Highland Avenue, Thomasville, NC 27360
Family Visitation: Thursday, May 13, 2021
12:30 pm - 1:00pm
Cornerstone Community Church
Funeral Service: Thursday, May 13, 2021
PRIVATE
1:00 pm
Cornerstone Community Church
Link available below
https://www.cornerstonelexington.com/
Obituary
Vernon Jerome Lewis, Sr., age 76, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 7th, 2021 at Thomasville Medical Center. He was born June 5, 1944 in Thomasville, NC to the late Dolin and Beatrice Lewis and was the 6th of 12 children. Vernon graduated from Church Street High School, Thomasville, NC in 1962. He attended several seminaries and colleges, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Bread of Life Bible Institute, Whiteville, NC.
Vernon was called by many names to those who loved him - ”Rev”, “Roni”, “Vern”, “Jerome.” The nickname “Rev” started in his childhood and stuck. There are a few stories about how and when the nickname “Rev” came to be, but the two that seem most fitting for the way he lived his life are, “that he always prayed over his food as a child” and “that as a young man, he had the voice of a preacher”. His official title later became “Reverend Doctor” and life’s work consisted of Pastoring and Evangelizing.
Rev. Lewis served as an Ordained Pastor at churches in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Georgia for over 30 years. He spent most of his years pastoring with the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, but also pastored Baptist and Holiness churches. Besides Pastoring, Vernon had an affinity for remodeling and painting, which also earned him a living as an Independent Contractor. He really enjoyed playing the piano; singing gospel music; and was there when you just needed an inspiring conversation.
Vernon was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 45 years, Ruth Flora Bradley Lewis, and his eldest son, Vernon Jerome Lewis, Jr. Additionally, he was preceded in death by 4 siblings, David Emmanuel Lewis, Ethel Josephine Fant, Joshua William Clayton Lewis, and Ruby Lee Whitsett. He is survived by 4 children, Rev. M. Sanders Lewis, Dolin S. Lewis, Corey A. Lewis, Sr. (Angela), and R. Tonia T. Lewis (Bakari); 5 grandsons Carl D. McKnight, Jr., Corey A. Lewis, Jr., Jason K. Lewis, Johnathon A. Cambron, and Xavier S. Lewis; 1 granddaughter, Alise O. Griggs; 7 siblings, Essie Corina Cannon (William), Annie Evelyn Olivia Rice, Hatti Kerr Jackson (Robert), Cassandra Gail Moore, Warren Douglas Lewis (Kimberly), Thelma Marie Coard (Julius), and Delma Leigh Hairston (Lawrence); and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
