Veronica JoAnne (Phillips) Lewis

Veronica JoAnne Lewis was born on Monday, September 27th, 1954, in Emporia, Virginia, to the late Evelyn Phillips and Walter L. Phillips, Sr. She peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 1st, 2026. Affectionately known as “JoAnne” by all who loved her, she was a woman of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and gentle grace.

JoAnne was one of ten children and accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church, where she faithfully served and where she was later united in marriage. Her faith remained the foundation of her life and guided her through every season.

She received her education in the Greensville County Public Schools system and graduated from Greensville County High School in 1974. Following graduation, JoAnne attended and graduated from Southside Community College. She devoted twenty years of service to the Greensville County Richardson Library, where her love for reading flourished and where she took great pride in helping the children of Greensville County develop their literacy skills. After her time at the library, JoAnne was employed at the Greensville County Correctional Center and later worked for Burger King. In retirement, she continued to find joy in reading and playing word games, activities that brought her both peace and fulfillment.

JoAnne was a quiet, caring, and humble woman who treated everyone with kindness and respect. She treasured family gatherings, especially those held at the homes of her late mother and grandparents, where love and togetherness were always present. Above all, JoAnne was a devoted mother to her two children, Sylvester Lewis, Jr. and LaTiffany Lewis, whom she lovingly cherished and raised for more than thirty-five years. Though the journey of life was often difficult, she never complained. Her steadfast faith in God gave her the strength to endure life’s hardships, and even as her health began to fail, her devotion to her children never wavered.

JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Walter Phillips, Sr.; her sister, Shirley Ryan; and her brother, Robert Phillips. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband, Sylvester Lewis, Sr.; her son, Sylvester Lewis, Jr.; her daughter, LaTiffany Lewis; sisters Annie Thomas of Hampton, Virginia, Lottie Woolfolk, Hazel Phillips, Suzanna Stallings, and Brenda Phillips of Richmond, Virginia; brothers Walter Phillips, Jr. of Cypress, Texas, and James Phillips (Toinetta) of Emporia, Virginia; nephew Jamie Phillips (Amber) of Emporia, Virginia; nieces Michelle Rivera (Daniel) of Clarksburg, Maryland, LaShelle King and Ashley Hill of Richmond, Virginia; uncles Edward Williams of Clayton, North Carolina, and Freddie Williams of Hampton, Virginia; aunts Clarine Thomas of Emporia, Virginia, Magaline Colfield and Mildred Wright of Norfolk, Virginia, Ollie Harges of Odenton, Maryland, Elnora Uzzelle of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Raddie Jenette of Chesapeake, Virginia; sisters-in-law Nancy Lundy of Freeman, Virginia, Leavis Rice (George) of Richmond, Virginia, Clementine Taylor (Vincent) of Tampa, Florida, Stephanie Jefferson of Lawrenceville, Virginia, and Kimberly Blackmon of Tampa, Florida; brother-in-law Bernard Lewis, Sr. (Christine) of Tampa, Florida; a host of other relatives; and a special friend, Tamaria.

JoAnne will be deeply missed and forever remembered. We are comforted in knowing that she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and that she now rests in the peace and presence of her Savior.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Lewis' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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