Vaughn Lewis

Jean Lewis, age 86, of Columbus, Ohio passed into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, May 10th. She was born and raised in Columbus with her five siblings. Her given name was actually Vaughn Elaine, but she was affectionately given the name of Jean at a young age by her sister and it stuck.  She graduated from Columbus North High School in 1953 where she was a member of the girls’ basketball team. Following graduation, she went to work at Nationwide Insurance, ultimately meeting her future husband, Bob, on a blind date.  They were married for 62 years, moving from Columbus to Charleston WV and then to Belpre, OH, raising two children and being active in the community.  Jean was a leader for Weight Watchers for over twenty years and loved to help motivate others to choose a healthier lifestyle.  Following her husband’s retirement, they moved back to Columbus where they enjoyed time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, and her five siblings, Pat, Paul, Jerry, Dick, and Sandy. Jean is survived by her daughter Pam of Columbus, and her son Michael (Sue) of Grand Rapids, MI and grandchildren Nicholas and Zachary, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jean absolutely adored being with her family and friends and playing games, especially dominoes and all kinds of card games. Holidays with family always included a few rounds of poker and of course a Texas sheet cake baked with love by Jean. She enjoyed watching any kind of sports but was a Buckeye through and through and loved to watch her team play and cheer them on. Jean loved books and could always be found during quiet hours with her Kindle in hand. She had a kind word and smile for everyone, and she spent many hours at the Southside Community Ministries’ food pantry helping customers pick out groceries for their families.   Previously she was a member at St. John’s Church in Columbus, where she enjoyed volunteering for The Largest Table preparing meals for the homeless community and being a member of the Cherub Circle.  Most recently, she was a member of Westerville Community United Church of Christ, where she volunteered with the Holly Day Bazaar and other activities.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 18th at 10 a.m. at Westerville Community United Church of Christ, 770 County Line Road, Westerville, OH.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Southside Community Ministries Food Pantry, 225 E. Gates Street, Columbus, OH 43206.