James H. Lewis affectionally known as "Herman" or "Yank" was born June 24, 1939, the fourth of ten children, to the late Napoleon "Jake" and Gladys Lewis in Caroline County, VA. He departed this life on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at MCV/VCU Hospital, Richmond, VA.
Herman attended Woolfolk Grade School and joined Third Mt Zion Baptist Church at an early age. On October 3, 1959 he was united in holy matrimony with Ocellia Baker. To this union he was blessed with five children: Cathy, Gairard, Penny, Angelia, and Karen.
Herman later joined Macedonia Baptist Church where he served as an usher and trustee. He was known for his ability to fix anything and for working around the church, which brought him great joy. He was the family and community plumber, architect, and mechanic. Herman was often called upon by his family and the members in the community to fulfill these roles. While he did not profess to be a professional, he could do the work well. Herman was a man of few words who loved working independently when beautifying the church and the cemetery. However, he was willing to spend time with you and teach you his skills.
Blessed with a home for his family, he made various additions to it so that his growing family could be comfortable. God knew his home was going to be home to several foster children who were placed in his home. God knew his skills, which were many, were going to pave the way for his children to advance professionally and spiritually. Herman's love for his family was a representation of the man he was, which was a provider and entrepreneur in his own right. His fees were minimal because of his love for what he did and his desire to help others.
Herman worked 39 years in the construction field as a laborer/foreman. During his career he worked in Upper Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. He also spent many hours volunteering at the Upper Caroline Fire Department. He later retired from full time construction and began working with Mr. Sonny Pratt " Pratt Construction Company".
Herman was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; Eddie, Leonard, and Joe Lewis; two sisters, Rosa Lewis and Mary "Teenie" Morris; and grandson Andre Ellis.
He leaves to cherish his memories wife of 62 years, Rev. Ocellia Lewis; four daughters, Cathy Parker (Quinton), Penny Scott (Robert), Rev. Angelia Lewis, and Karen Clemons; one son, Gairard Lewis; two great-granddaughters, Jasmyne and Jai'den Lewis who were placed in his care; five grandchildren, Kaiyonnah Hawkins, Darrius Lewis, DeAngelo Lewis, Elexis Clemons, and Gairard Hawkins; sixteen great-grandchildren; his two brothers, Bernard Lewis (Helen) and Charles Lewis of Woodford, VA; two sisters, Beatrice Lewis of Woodford, VA, and Emma Christopher of Fredericksburg, VA; mother-in-law, Carrie Baker of Woodford, VA; sisters-in-law, Rosa Marie of Baltimore, MD, Arterita Brown (Joseph, Sr.), and Charity Baker-Dean of Woodford, VA; brothers-in-law, James E. Morris, Jr. of Spotsylvania, VA, Walter Baker, Sr. (Gloria), Ervin Baker (Carlene) all of Woodford, VA, Profit Baker (Rita) of Washington, DC.; and Joseph Coleman of Fredericksburg, Va. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him.
The family extends special thanks to Trustee James Butler for spending quality time with Herman. We thank you for preparing lunch for him, and letting him sit and relax on your deck. We know he didn't say much, but we know he had a good time. When we asked if he had a good time all he said was yes and he wouldn't give us any additional information. He looked forward to the rides you would take him on and all the things you did to make him feel important. We really appreciate what you did for him.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Macedonia Baptist Church, 7187 Macedonia Road, Woodford, Virginia 22580.
Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the church with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, Claiborne Crossing Road, Woodford, Virginia 22580.
Due to COVID-19 a mask or face covering is required.
Livestreaming will be available on C W Edwards Funeral Home Facebook page.
