Lillie G. Lewis

.Quiet and gentle, but strong in her commitment, dedication, and relationship to and with the Lord, Lillie Goodman Lewis based her life upon the premise of “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. We, her family, friends, and community celebrate her transition from this life to leaping into the lap of the Lord receiving her with a “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”!  Our loss is heaven’s gain but her legacy lives on.

Lillie Goodman Lewis was born on October 9, 1948, in Greenville, South Carolina.  She was the first child born to James and Loudella Goodman.  She received and accepted God at an early age at Golden Temple Baptist Church (First Baptist Church of Paris). Later she joined and became actively involved at the Rocky Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC.  She was the wife of the late Leroy “Skeeter” Lewis and the mother of two daughters and many cousins, nieces, nephews and students who knew she loved them like a mother.  Sober, steadfast, and vigilant in her walk with the Lord and calling on this earth, she caused all of us to stand up straighter in her presence.

She received her high school diploma from Sterling High School, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barber Scotia College, a Masters in Education degree from Clemson University and 30 hours in administration from Furman University.  Education and educating others was, in her opinion, the key to victory, success, and accomplishment.

Education was Lillie’s life passion as she dedicated her entire life to educating and preparing individuals for life.  It also is her legacy. She retired from the School District of Greenville County with 32 years of service. Post retirement, Lillie continued her education passion serving as a Professor at Southern Wesleyan University.  Her awards and accolades include: SCAMLE Randy Wall Distinguished Service Award (2016), William B. Harley Administrator of the Year (2005), National Distinguished Principal of the Year (2003), and South Carolina Middle School Principal of the Year (2003).

Lillie’s organizational affiliations included being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, The Greenville MOLES, South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (SCAMLE), and South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).  Until the day of her transition Lillie was involved in life and the lives of others.  Her legacy lives on in all the hearts and lives that she nurtured, planted into, and encouraged.

Reflections of wonderful thoughts and loving memories will be cherished and offered by her two daughters, Nerissa Lewis, Cestine Lewis-Latimore (Fred); three grandchildren, Ciera, Chloe, and Celena; sister, Yvette G. Goodlett; two brothers, James P. Goodman, Jr., and Maurice S. Goodman (Drucilla); a niece raised in the home Danita Boyd (Thomas) and many cousins, and other loving relatives and friends, as well as a very loving, devoted and supportive Rocky Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

The entire community gathers to rejoice in the life, legacy, and dedication of a sister, mother, wife, cousin, auntie, and friend, Lillie Goodman Lewis.  Death ends a life; it does not end the love!