Margaret Rose Lewis

Margaret Rose “Mardie” Lewis, 83, died Friday, January, 23, 2015 in Abilene. The daughter of Rose (Rogers) and T.B. Sheffield, she was born on May 13, 1931 in San Angelo, Texas. Mardie attended Abilene High School for two years and graduated from Coleman High School before attending both McMurry University and Sul Ross University. Mardie married Don Lewis on November 7, 1981 at Elmcrest Baptist Church in Abilene and they enjoyed 33 wonderful years together. A resident of Abilene from 1980 to 1987, she worked as a secretary in the insurance field as well as Hardin-Simmons University. They moved to Arkansas where they lived from 1987 to 1993 before returning to Abilene. For 20 years, she was a member of Buffalo Gap Baptist Church. During those years, she enjoyed teaching children in Sunday School and served as church secretary and treasurer. At the time of her death, she was a member of Elmcrest Baptist Church. Mardie was a talented artist who enjoyed painting and drawing. She also loved flowers, gardening, music and antiques. She was an encourager, always having a smile and positive attitude to share with others. She was loving, sweet, and kind to everyone. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Truman Martin, as well as many other relatives. Mardie is survived by her husband Don and sons; Monte Smith and wife Joy of Ft. Smith, AR, Randy Smith of Charleston, AR, Craig Lewis of Abilene, and Jeff Lewis and wife Lisa of Carlsbad, NM; daughters and their spouses, Debbie Nombrana and Ted of Edmond, OK, Ruth Gregory and Mark of Abilene, and Kaye Gibson and Dan of Santa Clarita, CA; fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Survivors also include a sister-in-law, Anna Lee Lewis of Abilene; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gayla and Joe Fielder of Abilene; two nephews, Greg Martin and Brent Martin of California; and several other nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, at Elmcrest Baptist Church in Abilene with the Reverends Steve Joiner and Jerry Vincent officiating. Interment will follow in Buffalo Gap Cemetery directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 26, at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be nephews Rick Lewis, Ron Lewis, Mike Harendt, Tommie Harendt, Russell Fielder, Chas Payne, and Bob Raborn. Memorial contributions may be made to Elmcrest Baptist Church, 517 N. Pioneer Dr., Abilene, TX 79603; Alzheimer’s Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 S. Pioneer Dr., Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605; or the donor’s charity of choice. The family expresses sincere thanks to the staff at Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center, Dr. Sandy Hazelip, and Hospice of the Big Country.