Lewis, Kerry
Lewis, Keri Lynn
Kerry Lynn (Pence) Lewis was born on November 25, 1964, and passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Kerry loved her family and friends dearly, and her untimely passing from this earth will leave an eternal hole in the hearts of those she loved. . She has had the opportunity to serve in many roles over the course of her life – mother, wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, and best friend. Although anyone who knows her can attest that being a mother was the role she cherished the most.
Kerry was the second child of Thomas and Darlene (Walton) Pence, and grew up in Carlisle, Ohio. She was an outstanding student in school and a talented volleyball player on the court. One of five children, Kerry often reflected on the fun she had with her many cousins and the special relationship she shared with her Aunt Lauren. In high school, Kerry met her best friend, Robin Sprowls, who remained friends with her until her last day.
After graduation, Kerry married her high school sweetheart, Jeffrey Short. Kerry and Jeff had three children – Sarah, Thomas “Tommy”, and Geoffrey “Andrew”. After seven years of marriage, they separated, but always maintained a positive parenting relationship.
In 1995, Kerry married John Lewis, whom she referred to as the love of her life. In addition to finding her partner for the next 28 years, she also became a stepmother to Tess and Kyle Lewis, whom she loved more than words could describe.
Kerry has spent most of her career in logistics, dispatch and safety. The job she was most proud of was her long stint with Ryder Integrated Logistics in Monroe, Ohio. She enjoyed the work, but she also enjoyed the meaningful relationships built with her colleagues, especially the drivers.
When Keri isn’t working or spending time with her family, you can find her cooking, gardening, quilting, antique buying, dancing to her favorite music or decorating. She was such an amazing cook that local newspapers even featured her when Sarah submitted recipes and a resume listing some of her family’s favorite meals. They were also known for their table-top charcoal slabs, which were beautifully served at family occasions. The best comfort food her kids will always associate with their mother is homemade macaroni and cheese; However, Andrew would say the seafood chowder is what makes it famous. Kerry’s flower beds were always beautiful, and she loved exchanging gardening and plant ideas with her best friend Robin; When Sarah bought her first home, Kerry would come over in the spring and help design and renovate her flower beds, knowing that her daughter didn’t inherit a green thumb.
In 2015, Kerry found and converted to the Christian faith. She developed a special relationship with her minister, Steve Reeves, and loved reading and studying the Bible with her son, Tommy; She also found companionship and comfort within the congregation at Spring Hill Church of Christ.
Kerry is survived by her husband, John Lewis. Five children: Sarah (Kevin), Tommy, Andrew (Crystal), Tess (James), and Kyle (Lizzy), as well as her ten grandchildren: Kelsey, Nikita, Raylene, James “JJ”, Charlotte, Carter, Keizer, Joshua and Claire And Connor. Kerry is also survived by her mother, Darlene; Stepmother Diana. four brothers: Dennis, Judy (Missy), Angel (Jeremy) and Matt; additional son David Cox (Billy); eleven nieces and nephews; And best friend Robin. Kerry was preceded in death by her father, Thomas, and brother-in-law, Bob.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 (New Testament)
The family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate Kerry’s too-short, but often beautiful, life.
Visitation: Thursday evening, September 14, 2023, between 5:00-7:00 PM at Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Homes, 517 S. Sutphin Street, Middletown, OH, 45044.
Funeral services: Friday morning, September 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Homes, 517 S. Sutphin Street, Middletown, OH, 45044. Burial will follow at Butler County Memorial Park, 4570 Trenton-Oxford Road, Hamilton, OH, 45011.
Kerry loved flowers, so he grew and received them. If you want to send flowers, her favorites include roses and gardenias. If you would prefer to support a cause in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to organizations dedicated to mental health and addiction recovery. These issues were close to Kerry’s heart and their support will continue the legacy of compassion and hope that she sought to embody throughout her life.
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Funeral home information
Breytenbach-Anderson Funeral Homes
517 South Sutphin Street
Middletown, Ohio
45044
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/anderson?utm_campaign=legacytraffic&utm_source=legacy&utm_medium=referral
