"And God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul"
-Genesis 2:7

On August 9, 1936 a handsome baby boy was born to John and Lucille Reagan Williams. They named their newest addition to the family Earnest Joe. Earnest Joe Lewis was the third of five siblings.

"In fact, also, when we were with you, we used to give you this order. 'If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat."
-2 Thessalonians 3:10
Earnest began his education at Tolen School in the Tolen Community. At a young age, he became a farmer and thereafter became a cross country truck driver. Later, he would work for the Okmulgee County as a truck driver until his retirement in 2008.

"Further, God blessed them and God said to them: 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it……"
-Genesis 1:28
In 1956, Earnest married Doris J. Lewis. To this union seven children were born.

"And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers."
-Ephesians 4:11
Earnest accepted Christ at an early age, under the leadership of Pastor A.G. Payne. Earnest became a Deacon and was later called into the ministry. Rev. Lewis also became a member of Bristow Masonic Lodge #74. In 1978 Earnest became Pastor of Greater Mount Zion until 1987. In 1989, he accepted his role as Pastor for St. John Baptist Church in Slick, Oklahoma until he retired from the ministry in September 2010.

"Blessed are those who mourn, since they will be comforted."
-Matthew 5:4
On September 3, 2011, God called Rev. Earnest Joe Lewis home from Labor to Refreshment. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Doris J. Lewis, his parents, one brother, Rayfield Lewis, two sisters: Erma Robinson and Louise Cole, two sons: Ricky Lewis, and Anthony Montgomery, two daughters: Marsha Lewis and Carletta Lewis. Remaining to cherish his precious memories: four daughters: Vickie Jackson (Craig), Dayton, OH, Cassandra Lewis, Beggs, OK., Evie Hillstock, Okmulgee, OK., and LaTicia Howard (Samuel), Tulsa, OK., three sons: Jerry Lewis, Helena, OK., Marcus Lewis, Tulsa, OK., and Earnest Lewis, Jr. (Cozetta), Jenks, OK., one brother, Sherman Lewis (Berniece), Edmond, OK., one brother in-law, Norman Cole, Beggs, OK., 22 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Services for Reverend Lewis will commence on Saturday September 10, 2011 at 2:30PM at First Baptist Church in Beggs.

Friends may visit him as he slumbers in peaceful repose in Okmulgee's Chapel of Peace on Friday from 12 Noon to 6PM.