Ella Mae Gadsden-Lewis

Ella Mae Gadsden Lewis was born on Monday, February 9, 1948, in Charleston Sc to Velma Lee Lebby and Benjamin Amos Johnson. She attended school at Mary Ford Elementary and Bond Wilson High School until the 11th grade. She then worked as an automotive mechanic until 1970. Her family relocated to New York and New Jersey, where she attended St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. Ella Mae was then employed at Jersey City Medical Center. Ella met and married Russel Cal Lewis, and they moved to Suffolk County, Long Island. She acquired her GED at a community college.

Ella Mae was a faithful and devoted servant of our Lord. And Russel and Ella became founding members of their home church, Christ Baptist Church of Coram, NY. She served on the Missionary Board, the Pastor Aid Ministry, the Youth Ministry, as a Sunday school teacher, member of the Adult Choir, and visited the Sick and shut-in. Ella Mae was employed at Stony Brook University Hospital as a Central Sterile Technician for 27 years.

Ella and Russel retired to her home state of South Carolina and settled in Summervikke. There she furthered her education at several colleges. They became members of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. Where she served in many ministries; The youth Summer Camp Program, the Food Pantry, Nurse Aid Ministry, the Street Outreach Ministry, a member of the Jubilee Choir, janitorial staff, receptionist, and Bus Ministry. Ella was a main historian and member of the Gadsden History Team.

Ella Mae entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Proceeding her in death is her mother, Velma Lee Lebby, father, Benjamin Amos Johnson; her husband, Russel Cal Lewis, grandson Michael Issac Lewis, sisters Beulah Mae Lebby, Shelby Jean Lebby, Vickie Beverly Shell (Laurence), brothers, Adamn Johnson (Marie), Donald Johnson, and Ronald Johnson (Evelyne).

Cherishing her memories, daughters, Francilla Yolanda Daves and Shawnetta Anita Lewis. 7 grandchildren, Bobby Daves, Evan Russell Lewis (Latasha), Evalyne Inez Lewis, Joshua Allen Daves, Maurice Robert Lewis (Sheena), Danniell Maklin, and Tyque Shabazz. 6 Great-grandchildren, sister Shirley Ann Lebby, brothers Benjamin Johnsopn( Jane), Sinclair Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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