MARY FRANCES LEWIS

Mary Frances Spade Lewis, age 91, of Middlesboro, Kentucky passed away Friday, September 5, 2025 at Buchanan Place Health and Rehabilitation in New Tazewell, Tennessee.

She was born March 27, 1934 in Robins Fork, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Ray E. and Hazel Spade.  Although she lived most of her life in Kentucky, her heart was always in West Virginia.  She was of the Christian faith and was baptized in the cold water of the Elk River behind the First Baptist Church in Bergoo, West Virginia.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Thomas “L.T.” Lewis, sister Phyllis Hollandsworth, sister Ruth Myles, brother-in-law Joe Myles, brother Ray “Babe” Spade, sister-in-law Norma Spade, brother Charles Spade, sister-in-law Pauline Spade, sister-in-law Carol Spade, brother-in-law Paul Lewis, sister-in-law Jane Sherman, and her cat, Koala.

She is survived by her daughter Karen Sue Harrod (Mike) of Bagdad, Kentucky, step-granddaughter Hannah Harrod of Louisville, Kentucky, “granddog” Empty of Bagdad, Kentucky, daughter Margaret Ann Lewis of Jeffersonville, Indiana, brother Tommy Spade of Middlesboro, Kentucky, brother Bruce Spade (Debbie) of Wise, Virginia, brother-in-law Jack Hollandsworth of Ewing, Virginia, sister-in-law Bonnie Lewis of Cleveland, Ohio, “special daughter” Michele Lawson (James) of Middlesboro, Kentucky, and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

After graduating from Renick High School in Renick, West Virginia, she went to Washington D.C. to work for the FBI.  From there she returned to work as a switchboard operator for the old Bell Telephone Company in Lewisburg, West Virginia.

After her marriage, she settled on a career as a wife and mother.  She was a dedicated homemaker, help-mate to her husband, and was dedicated to raising her daughters.  She later graduated for Collins School of Cosmetology but ended up using her newly acquired skills to cut hair for family members.  She was known for the delicious candy and cakes that she loved to make for family and neighbors at Christmas.  She was an avid gardener and could make anything grow.  She was also an animal lover.  Her home became a sanctuary for any stray dog or cat passing through.  Many stayed, others just dropped by for a good meal and a fresh drink of water.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff at Buchanan Place Health and Rehab and the staff of Smoky Mountain Hospice who provided loving care for her. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, N.C., 28607-3000 or to Tates TNR and Rescue, 411 North 15th Street, Middlesboro, KY, 40965.

The family of Mary Lewis will receive friends Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Green Hills Funeral Home.

The funeral service will follow at 8:00 p.m. at the Green Hills Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, September 11, 2025 with Rev. Sam Stoner officiating.  Music will be provided by Ariel Stoner and Liza Barnard.

The family will meet at the Wheeler Cemetery in Ewing, Virginia for graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Pall bearers will be Brandon Spade, Greg Spade, Dillion Spade, Mark Spade, Garrett Spade, Terry Spade, and Joe West.

Honorary pall bearers are Tommy Spade, Gary Spade, Bruce Spade, Benny Spade, Mike Spade, and Jimmy Mitchell.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Lewis Family.

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