Elijah Lewis

Elijah “Big June” Lewis was born in Shaw, Mississippi, on July 14, 1956, to the late Robert Lewis, Sr. and
Susie Mae Robinson Lewis. He was the youngest of fifteen children and the last surviving son, a cherished
position he held with quiet dignity and grace.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Big June was a devoted and active member of New St. James Missionary
Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Youth Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study participant, and
dedicated choir member. His steadfast presence, warm spirit, and deep faith were a guiding l ight within the
church and community.

Big June worked diligently for over 20 years as a metal/plastic worker at Quality Steel in Cleveland,
Mississippi. He was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and camaraderie with coworkers.
On October 28, 1975, he was united in holy matrimony to Benny Mae Lewis (nee Guyton). From their loving
union came two children, LaTanya E. Lewis and Elijah E. Lewis. He also helped lovingly raise his bonus son,
Kiwan P. Guyton, and cherished his role as grandfather to Tyler Lewis, his beloved grandson.
Big June had a zest for life and found joy in many things. He had a passion for cars, loved to talk about God,
and was a devoted student of the Bible. He enjoyed debating sports, sharing stories, and instilling knowledge
about his favorite teams in his children and grandson. He was a passionate track and field athlete who shared
his love for the sport with his son, Elijah, and grandson, Tyler. Traveling to visit his children, grandson, and
extended family brought him great happiness. A true fan of Church’s Chicken, he never passed up the chance
to enjoy his favorite meal or satisfy his sweet tooth with a slice of his sister Lula’s homemade cake or pie.
Elijah was educated in both Mississippi and Illinois, beginning at Shaw Elementary and graduating from East
Side High School in East St. Louis, Illinois.

He departed this life peacefully at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 23, 2025. Though he
has left this earthly realm, his spirit, laughter, and legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew
and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Benny Mae Lewis; his loving children, Kiwan P. Guyton,
LaTanya E. Lewis, and Elijah E. Lewis; his cherished grandson, Tyler J. Lewis; three devoted sisters, Lula
White (Swansea, IL), Betty Jean Lewis (Washington Park, IL), and Pearline Thedford (Atlanta, GA); and a host
of nieces, nephews, cousins, loyal friends, and church family who will miss him dearly.