To God, we give the highest praise!  We thank him for the 93 years he blessed Mother to be with us.   Mother is now resting in the presence of the Lord, to get her reward.

Mrs. Eartha Lee Sillemon was born February 2, 1925 to the parentage of John Henry Sillemon and Pearlie Brooks in Groesbeck, TX.  She attended school in Groesbeck, TX.   Eartha accepted Christ at an early age, joined and was baptized at the Head Branch Baptist Church in Groesbeck.  In later years, Eartha and her sister Madeline relocated to Odessa, TX; where she resided for approximately 10 years and eventually moved to Dallas, TX.  After relocating to Dallas, she met and married John Paul Lewis.  They were joined in holy matrimony in August, 1951; and, remained married until his death in 2008.  To this union 4 children were born.  Eartha worked at the Baker Hotel and Titche's Department Stores; also, as a domestic homemaker for many years.  In the early 1970s, Eartha decided to take courses, in order to earn her GED; and, although she had a desire to pursue the profession of nursing, the opportunity never presented itself.  Still with a desire to care for others, Eartha later enrolled in a nurse aide course through The American Red Cross.  After completing the course, she worked as an adult sitter for many years, until retiring in 2005.  She was the primary caretaker for her sister, mother and husband until their final days.   Eartha loved to travel and had taken several cruises, visiting other states for family vacations and attending various National Baptist Conventions.  Eartha also loved to shop; and, it goes without saying, she loved her hats!  (And, wore them well.)

During Eartha's journey of life, she was a faithful member of various churches and a diligent worker in many capacities; some of which included: Mt. Horeb MBC, Love Chapel BC, Bexar Street MBC, Carver Heights BC; and, last but certainly not least – she was a charter member of Antioch FMBC; where she attended faithfully, until her health deteriorated and could no longer attend on a regular basis.  Some of her leadership roles included:  Sunday School Teacher, Choir President, Missionary President/Teacher, Bible Study Teacher, BTU President, Nurse's Guild; and, Vacation Bible School Teacher.  Eartha loved the Lord and enjoyed teaching his word.  After moving to The Potter's House Apartments, Eartha served as one of the bible study instructors, participated in various events and fashion shows.

Eartha is preceded in death by:  (Husband) John Paul Lewis. (Parents) John Henry Sillemon and Pearlie Brooks; and (4 siblings) Madeline Askew, Gracie Lou Johnson, Johnnie Mae Mitchell; and, Hellzie Royal Jennings.  Loving memories of Eartha will be cherished by many, especially her children - Larry Paul Lewis, Michael Lynn Lewis, Deborah DeNese Lewis-Scott; and, Sherri Elaine Lewis-Jackson (all of Dallas, TX); 3 Siblings – Bessie B. Brown (Sacramento, CA), Gussie Mae Williams (Wichita Falls, TX); and, John Henry Sillemon, Jr. (Dallas, TX); 3 Sister-in-Laws:  Mary Sue Lewis (Lynwood, CA); Winnie Kate Spencer (Los Angeles, CA); and, Telitha Ann Jennings (Scooba, MS).  Grandchildren – Bertrone King (Oklahoma City, OK), Larry Brigham (Dallas, TX), Terrence (Benita) Andrews (Crestview, FL), Sheniqwa Scott (Cedar Hill, TX); and, Shenae Berry (Compton, CA).  Great-Grandchildren:  Jayden, Joshua, Jaxon, Taylor, Cardell, Alonzo and Jordan.  Adopted Grand-daughter – Keshia Graham; and, Adopted Great Grand-daughters:  Brianna and Ayanna (Dallas, TX).  Eartha will be fondly remembered by several adopted daughters, sons; and, a host of other loving relatives and close family friends.

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