Joan Lewis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Joan Silva Lewis of Pleasant Grove, Utah, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the age of 83. Joan was born in Norfolk, Virginia on March 23, 1937, and was the only child of Joao (John) and Lela Pritchett Silva. Joanie, as family and friends affectionately called her, grew up in and around Norfolk, Virginia. During challenging times, in later years of the Great Depression and during World War II, she experienced the blessings of having a very close extended family. To provide, her mother worked multiple jobs, and her grandmother and her mother’s sisters helped in raising and teaching a very precocious and beloved little girl. While her father left when she was 11 months old, her mother never discussed the circumstances. Growing up, Joanie always enjoyed playing with the neighborhood boys. One Christmas, she was disgusted with Santa Claus because she got a cowgirl outfit when she wanted a cowboy outfit. Her friends were boys and had guns and trucks, and that’s what she wanted too. Years later she would show her family the ration books, with coupons to buy things like sugar, flour, potatoes, car tires, and appliances. Her mother would trade liquor coupons for other needed items, and at times purchased black market items like butter and meat. Margarine would come in a large plastic bag, and yellow tablets would be added and mixed in for color. Sometimes there would be a waiting list to get needed items, due to the war. This was when nylons replaced silk stockings. Living through historic times and growing up in a place rich in historical significance, this too was a perspective and an appreciation she’d pass on. Joanie spoke of having a really good Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Carpenter or her favorite, Mrs. Mary Park, her Fourth Grade teacher at Norview Elementary School. She remembered Mrs. Park’s first name, since they both shared it. In a school play, she was excited to play the part of a nurse and had fun doing so. Joanie learned how to read early, and memorized nursery rhymes and poems. Poetry and English literature became a passion of hers, with a favorite book of poetry being, “A Shropshire Lad”, by Alfred Edward Housman. Besides English, favorite subjects in high school included home economics and business-related classes. Speaking years later to her sons about life during World War II, in a very strategic military area, she shared stories of German U-boats being sunk nearby at Willoughby Spit, near the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. This area would have nighttime blackouts, with black shades pulled down in every window when an alarm would sound in the neighborhoods. This was to block out all light against the threat of enemy attacks. At age 14, Joanie’s mother married Dwight McClintic, who later would become the only grandfather her oldest children knew. Throughout her growing up years, it was her mother, her aunts, uncles and cousins that became so close, so important and always there to support, love, and lift one another. After graduating from Granby High School (Norfolk, Virginia) she worked various jobs, including accounting and office administration, both in and out of the Norfolk area. It was while working for a construction company that she met Benjamine Thomas Lewis. After a couple years of dating, they married on December 31, 1960 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Together they moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina where their son Brian was born. While living there, they also joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From rich involvement in church activities, they developed the desire to move to Salt Lake City, Utah. After that move, their family grew, with four more sons, Paul, Tom, Stephen, and Phil adding to their family. Joan, very active in the Cub Scout organization influenced boys and leaders of boys for decades. Joan was known for her scouting spirit, serving as a driving force in promoting training for all scouters. Her programs are still in effect in the Crossroads of the West Council. Receiving many awards and recognition for her positive influence and exceptional leadership, she received the Silver Beaver Award in April 1984. For over 40 years, her involvement and association with friends in scouting brought her great joy and fulfillment. Joan loved church service. Her service as a temple worker, her interest and work on family history, or even serving as a full-time missionary in the Washington DC Temple in 2002-03, were all counted as some of the best opportunities of her life. More recently, humanitarian projects were something she did at nearly every spare moment at home. She stuffed the bodies of countless dolls (something she called “body building”) to send to other volunteers in the process, to dress and make ready to be sent to brighten the lives of children all over the world. Joan loved her many friends and neighbors. We as a family would be remiss if we did not recognize the tremendous joy you brought to her life. Her life was richer and more beautiful because of you. Joan is survived by her seven children, Kay (Rob) Schnack, Kim (Rod) McSwain, Brian (Trudi) Lewis, Paul Lewis, Tom Lewis (Kandus Linde), Stephen (Sariah) Lewis, and Phil (Andi) Lewis; nineteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; her half-brother Mike Silva, a joy to her who helped her know about her father; and many cherished friends who Joan loved as her own family. Welcoming her home is her beloved mother Lela, her aunts who helped raise her, Dora, Bertha, Edith, Lillian, Dorothy, and her uncle Gurney. Also preceding her in death is her husband, Tom. Family memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, December 19, 2020, and later at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joan Lewis

March 23, 1937 - December 12, 2020

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