RUBY "MISS WILLIE" LEWIS

Ruby Willard Lewis, Tecumseh, MO passed away June 13, 2009 at her daughter's residence in Tecumseh at the age of 100 years 6 months and 8 days old. She was born December 5, 1908 in Dumas, MS and in her lifetime witnessed horse and buggy days and talked about picking cotton until she died. She was born to John Y. and Elizabeth (Bartlett) Childers who also lived well into their 100s.

Miss Willie moved in with her parents in Ripley, MS and was their caretaker until they passed away. She was a retired Bell South Employee.

She is survived by her daughter Derrylene Miller of Tecumseh, MO; five grandchildren Larry Wayne Miller of Memphis, TN, Mark Lewis Miller of Nixa, MO, Charles Larry Lewis II of Moody, MO, Timothy Lewis of Wolf Lake, IL, and Christopher Lewis of Owensboro, KY; seven great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Charles Lewis; one son Charles Larry Lewis; three brothers Manuel, Herman, and John Childers; and five sisters Louella Wicker, Jennie Etta Jumper, Margaret Spencer, Viola Pickler, and O.D. Childers. One sister lived to be 103.

Graveside funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the Lilly Ridge Cemetery in Gainesville, MO conducted by Steve Morrison. Her body will lie in state at the home of Derrylene Miller until the graveside service. Services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.