Joan M. Lewis

Joan Miller Jones Lewis, 88, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on November 26, 2023. Born in Jackson, Ohio, on December 17, 1934, Joan’s life was marked by a deep commitment to education, family, and faith. A 1952 graduate of Jackson High School, Joan went on to study education at Ohio University, the University of Rio Grande and received her Masters in Education Administration from Miami University. She served as a schoolteacher in Jackson and then Forest Park, Ohio. She became a school administrator and ultimately retired as Assistant Superintendent of Schools from the Winton Woods City School District on December 31, 1995. Her impact on many students and colleagues will be a lasting legacy. Joan married Blaine Burlile Jones in Jackson on June 25, 1954, sharing their lives until Blaine’s passing on August 11, 1993. Their union was blessed with a son, David, who, along with his wife Debra and their three children, Chris, Steve, and Kate, were deeply loved by Joan. After Blaine’s death, she married John Ferguson Lewis, and her family grew to include John’s sons, John and Todd, and their families. Joan and John lived in Jackson, Ohio until relocating to Bonita Springs, Florida. Joan and John became active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, singing in the choir and serving as church elders. Joan was first ordained as an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson in 1997, later serving in the same capacity at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs for two 3-year terms: 2004-2006 and 2008-2010. She served on the Pastor Nominating Committee that brought Rev. Dr. Doug Pratt to Bonita Springs as Senior Pastor in 2004. Over the course of her service at First Church, she played key roles in the Christian Education Ministry and Human Resources and was involved in many aspects of the Sacred Arts Ministry, including the Chancel Choir, Concert Series, and First Academy of Music. She is survived by her husband John Lewis; son, David; step-sons John and Todd Lewis; brother Barry Miller and sister Linda Grimes; her three grandchildren Chris, Steve, and Kate and five great-grandchildren: Chris’s children Hannah, Rowan, and Madeleine and Kate’s children Nathan and Piper; her step-sons John and Todd and step-grandchildren: John and his wife Kim’s children Benjamin, Sherman, and Madeleine and Todd’s children Josh and Zach. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family. She loved all her family members and was deeply loved in return. Joan will be remembered for her elegance and generous spirit, her commitment to the rising generations of students, and her unwavering faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. She led a good life of love and service to education, family, and her faith. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Joan’s name to the Music Fund at First Church and to post online any memories or condolences on the tribute wall at: www.shikanyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/.

Joan M. Lewis

December 17, 1934 - November 26, 2023