Mr. John ("JT") Lee Lewis

June 20, 1923 - January 6, 2018

Mr. John (“JT”) Lee Lewis departed this life Saturday, January 2, 2018 He was born June 20, 1923 the son of Ples and Elizabeth (Bush) Lewis-Hemphill in Inverness, MS. John left home at the age of 16 and resided in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the age of 18, he returned to Mississippi until he moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1951. John went to Mississippi every couple of weeks for years to move families from Mississippi to Kalamazoo. He helped many of his family and friends migrate to the north for better opportunities in the 1950’s. John was employed by Wiseman Brothers Company until his retirement. John accepted Christ at an early age. He was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church for 60 years and was an active member until he went home to be with the Lord. He served as a Trustee and also sang with the Male Chorus. He displayed a loyal commitment to his faith, laboring for most of his 94 years through song, singing in numerous quartets groups from Mississippi to Michigan in such groups as the Golden Bells, Gospel Tornados, Southernaires and the Gospelaires. John was known by many affectionate names such as “JT”, ‘Jake”, “Cooter”, “Granddad” and “Old Man”. He loved singing with a passion as he would wake up and start singing in the middle of the night. He could fill the house with a gospel song at anytime of the day. He also enjoyed talking on the phone to everyone and spending time with family and friends. John also ways lived by the motto, “Your Word Is Your Bond”. He never met a stranger and would always make you feel at home. He would give the shirt off his back. But, most of all he kept in contact with his family near and far weekly. He also looked forward to eating at Cracker Barrel every Friday and Sunday. John could keep family and friends attention captivated for hours telling stories about his life and experiences over the years. Those stories and all the words of wisdom will greatly be missed. John was preceded in death by his parents, Ples and Elizabeth (Bush) Lewis-Hemphill; stepfather, Walter Hemphill; 4 brothers, WG Lewis, Sam Lewis, Walter Hemphill Jr. and Andrew Hemphill; 2 sisters, Lurenza Johnson and Annie Bell Cox; 2 sons and 1 daughter, Clifton Lewis, Jesse Lewis and Lurenza (“Sister”) Lewis. He leaves to cherish his memory: 1 brother, Archie Hemphill of Kalamazoo, MI; 5 sons, John (Phyllis) Lewis, Oliver Lewis, Robert Lewis all of Kalamazoo, MI; James Lewis of Chicago, IL and Lance Pitts of Milwaukee, WI; 7 daughters, Velma Lewis, Dorothy Lewis of Chicago, IL; Linda Nabors, Gloria Ivey, Lori Ann (Pastor Lenzy) Bell, LaBrenda Jackson all of Kalamazoo, MI; Tiffany Pitts of Milwaukee, WI; 41 grandchildren; 63 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren; 3 sister-in-laws, Doris Hemphill of Kalamazoo, MI; Jackie Hemphill of Gary, IN and Freddie Mae Hemphill of Chicago, IL; a special niece, Pat Raines; 2 special cousins, Betty Bush and Pearlie Williams; special friends, Pastor Jean Smith and Willie James Ross Jr. (who went to Cracker Barrel with him every Friday and Sunday for dinner). He also leaves to mourn his passing a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends for he will be truly missed by all.