Florence M. Lewis, also known as “Flo”, a lifelong resident of Tinton Falls, NJ, was peacefully called to rest on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, while at home with her loving family. Florence was born in Red Bank, NJ on March 14, 1933 to the late Walter A. Brown, Sr. and Gwendolyn V. Brown.
Florence was educated in the Fair Haven and Rumson school systems, where she attended Fisk Street School (presently the Fair Haven Police Station), a one-room schoolhouse for African American students, from kindergarten through grade seven. For grade eight, Florence attended Willow Street School (presently Sickles School), where she was part of the first group of African American students to integrate that school. In 1952, Florence graduated from Rumson High School. After high school, Florence worked at Leon’s Dry Cleaners in Red Bank for two years. On January 1, 1954, Florence married Jack B. Lewis, Sr. and had five children from that union.
Spiritually, Florence was a dedicated and faithful member of Fisk Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fair Haven, NJ her whole life. She served as a Missionary, Stewardess, Sunday School Superintendent, and Sunday School Teacher. Additionally, Florence was a member of the Senior and Gospel Choirs and Pastor’s Aide.
Florence was a very devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved taking care of her family. In addition to caring for her family, Florence provided childcare to numerous children in the area and always kept a watchful eye on the children in the neighborhood as the “Block Parent”. As a matter of fact, 17 William Street was known as the “Do Drop Inn”. Florence was especially known for her handmade, crocheted cross afghans, her famous potato salad and fried chicken that she would make for church and family events and her sweet potato casserole with marshmallows that she would make for Thanksgiving.
As a talented and creative crafter, Florence loved to do all types of crafts like ceramics, quilting, sewing, knitting, and counted cross-stitch. Most of all, Florence will be remembered as a true nurturer. She truly had a kind and giving heart and was always there to help her family and friends, giving advice and sharing encouraging support.
Florence is predeceased by her parents, Walter A. Brown, Sr. and Gwendolyn V. Brown, her husband, Jack B. Lewis, Sr., her son, Ronald L. Lewis and sister, Joyce A. Patterson. She leaves to cherish her memory, a son, Jack Lewis, Jr. (Jennifer) of Deptford, NJ, daughters, Sharon Wisdom (Herman) and Pamela Lewis of Tinton Falls, NJ, and Kim Lewis of Fair Haven, NJ, a brother, Walter Brown, Jr. (Sylvia) of Tinton Falls, NJ, grandsons, Brett Lewis and Jared Chunn of Tinton Falls, NJ, Cory Clancy-Lewis of Denver, CO, granddaughters, Jasmine Brown of Long Branch, NJ, Karis and Kristin Lewis of Deptford, NJ, great-grandsons Cameron Lewis of Fair Haven, NJ and Jayden Lewis of Tinton Falls, NJ, a great-granddaughter, Ajanee′ Anderson of Long Branch, NJ, and a host of family and friends.
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