Jean Lewis receiving the Robe of Achievement, 1999

Jean Lewis grew up in the Shiloh, NJ SDB church. She started taking piano lessons when she was 9 years old. She also began organ lessons at age 17.

Jean attended Alfred University for two years. Before attending college she worked at the telephone company to save money to go to school.

In January of 1946, Jean married Phillip Lewis and moved to West Virginia, where he was attending Salem College. Due to Phillip’s health, the moved to Riverside, CA in October of 1948. They had five daughters. Jean graduated from the University of California at Riverside in 1963 and taught elementary school from ’63 until her retirement.

Jean spent most of her life serving the Lord. She worked at Pacific Pines Camp as a counselor and cool, and in Bible School as a mentor, teacher, and refreshment lady. She was an occasional presenter of special children’s sermons at church. She served as treasurer of Sabbath School and as church organist. She also served as the secretary of the Pacific Coast Association for several years.

On a denominational level, she served on the Women’s Board for 10 years. She was treasurer of the World Federation of SDB conferences for five years and represented the Women’s Board at various conferences of churchwomen. After the Womens’ Board left California she was and instigator of the reformation the Women’s Society in Riverside. She served as president of the Riverside SDB Women’s Society, deaconess, and as editor of Chimes, the Riverside church newsletter. She was also the formulator and hostess of the Women’s Spring Tea.

Jean was an avid reader and history buff as well as hostess extraordinaire- having taken courses through Elderhostel and professional cooking classes to further her skills. She was interested in anything musical or theatrical, and enjoyed knitting and needlework. She was very involved in her community.

Jean was a docent at Historical Mission Inn. She was also a member of Friends of the Library, Community Concert Series, Philharmonic Concert program, American Association of University Women, University of California Alumni, Retired California Teacher’s Association, and served as treasurer of the American Guild of Organists.