Rebecca Lewis

Rebecca A. Lewis, 82 of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on Sunday, May 14, 2023. Rebecca was predeceased by her parents, Charles Hutcherson and Bertha Prince

Hutcherson, her siblings; Dennis Hutcherson and Deloris Gist.

Rebecca affectionately known as “Becky” was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. She was one of 4 children, she accepted Christ at a young age, and was a member of Church of God, also in New Kensington. Becky graduated from New Kensington High School in June of 1958 and soon relocated to Harrisburg, PA. She was joined in marriage to the love of her life, Fennie Lewis for over 30 years.

Rebecca retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the Department of Transportation as a Clerk III with over 30 years of dedicated service. She was a devoted member of the North 17th Street Church of God. Serving as a Sunday School Teacher; Church Secretary, Council Leader, Choir Director and helping in the kitchen. Rebecca was also a Union Steward, an avid reader, and enjoyed bowling.

Rebecca leaves to celebrate her life and remember her devoted husband Deacon Fennie B. Lewis, her step-children; Lennie Lewis, Joanne (Jack) Hurst and Fredrick (Beretta) Lewis, a sister, Charlotte Brevard (San Bernardino, Calif), 4 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, her church family and several friends.

My home was in New Kensington, Pa and I had just graduated from High School in 1958 when me and my baby sister Deloris were invited for a two-week vacation to Harrisburg to the home of the only 2 families I knew in Harrisburg, Sis. Elease & Jerry Gunter and her sister Sis. Mamie & Wilson Lewis and daughter Maxine. Sis. Gunter attended our church in New Kensington and our families kept in touch with each other through the years. While on vacation I put in job applications and filled out Civil Service Tests forms just for the fun of it, not even thinking about employment!!

Shortly after returning home, I received an order to take a Civil Service test. My mother felt it was a good opportunity to possibly get a job and sent me back to Harrisburg with 3 days of clothing to take the test. I passed the test, and the rest is History. My mother wanted me to remain in Harrisburg to see how things would go and she would send the rest of my clothes as soon as possible. It was a month before I got the rest of my clothes, so every Sunday I wore my same Black & yellow suit to church. Please don’t ask me what I wore for the rest of the week! I stayed with Sis. Gunter for 4 years until I got my own apartment. I thank God for putting me in a home with people that knew the Lord during my very influential years. 

My first State service job was at Revenue Sales & Used Tax in 1959. I remained there for 5 years until the job was phased out. I took another Civil Service Test while being laid off and was hired at the Transportation Building until my retirement of 36 years. In the meantime, during hard times and disappointments, I left the Church of God in 1965 and didn’t return until 1980. Sis. Essie Smith and Sis. Mamie Lewis was instrumental in me coming back to the church. I thank God that they saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. It was my family that believed in me. 

In 1980 upon my return to church I became involved in the Sanctuary Choir and remain one of the Choir Directors & Treasurer. I also was elected the Church Secretary for over 25 years. I have taught the Adult Sunday School Class for over 25 years. I was a member of the Church Council for many years. I loved working in the Kitchen and Dining Room setting up and serving that I did for years. 

The most meaningful period of my life was when I was united in marriage to Deacon Fennie Lewis on 6/19/93. God has allowed us to have a beautiful home and this month coming up on the 19” will be our 24” wedding Anniversary. Isn’t God good!! He Specializes in things that seem impossible, but He will do what no other power can do!!

Thank you!

Sis. Rebecca Lewis