John Lewis, Jr.

The family of John Sharpe Lewis, Jr. is sad to announce his passing on Tuesday, August 12,2025. John had suffered from Parkinson Disease for many years, the last four and a half being bedridden at his home.

John was born May 15, 1938 in Newton, MS to John Sharpe Lewis, Sr. and Lawis Gibbs Lewis. He graduated from Newton High School and East Central Junior College. After graduating in 1958, he began work in the Non Destructive Testing department at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. He began work during the submarine days at Ingalls and retired after 42 years of service. Also in 1958, he married Martha Chapman of Newton. They established their home in Pascagoula 66 years ago where son, Wendell and daughter, Mona were born.

God and his church, Calvary Baptist, were a very important part of John's life. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. After Calvary's closure, he joined Arlington Baptist Church where he attended as long as his health permitted.

During retirement, John enjoyed woodworking in his shop. He and Martha also enjoyed many happy days at the Chapman Family Farm in Newton where they rode the trails in their little red Kowasaki Mule and sat on the front porch.

Preceding John in death were his parents and a brother, Edward Earl Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Martha, a son, Wendell of Huntsville, AL and a daughter, Mona McCaffrey (Tim) of Gulfport. He was Pop Pop to grandchildren Thomas Carpenter, Daniel Carpenter, Samantha Adel, Zach Lewis, and great grandchild, Gabe Adel. He is also survived by brothers Leon Lewis of Brandon, Rev. Malcolm Lewis (Sandra) of Collinsville, a sister-in-law Margaret Evans of Biloxi, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Arlington Baptist Church at 11:00 am with visitation one hour before the service.

Our sincere appreciation to Enhabit Hospice and our devoted caregivers Stephanie Hill, Patrice Long, Nozi Wilson, and Linda Howard.

Our family would be honored by donations in John's name to Mission Jackson County. It is a ministry led by Derrick Tapper and supported by faithful volunteers from Jackson County Baptist churches. The purpose of this ministry is to provide and build wheelchair ramps for the disabled and elderly in our community. In the past two years almost 200 ramps were completed by this mission. John was a recipient of one of their ramps. Donations may be sent to: Mission Jackson County, P.O. Box 1726, Pascagoula, MS 39581

John will be sadly missed by our family, but we are comforted by precious memories.

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