Jessie Belle Lewis of Enfield, NC, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009 in Raleigh. She was born February 24, 1915. Miss Lewis was preceded in death by her parents, James Henry ''Sam'' and Frances Parker Lewis, and her brother, J. W. Lewis.

She is survived by her sister, Claudeline Lewis; her nephew, James Grier Lewis, and his wife, Carol; and her grand-nephew, Josh Parker Lewis, and his wife, Laurel.

Miss Lewis gave her life to teaching high school English. She taught for 32 years before retiring to Halifax County, having taught in Mooresville, Greenville and Chapel Hill. She also supervised student teachers from East Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a distinguished woman educator, Miss Lewis was a member of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for 58 years and also served a term as president of the society. She had been president of the North Carolina English Teachers Association and had served as editor of its publication. One of her highest acclaims as an educator was an invitation to teach at the American University in Beirut. She traveled extensively throughout the world and was a life-long learner.

Miss Lewis was actively involved in her community. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church, where she served as Church Clerk, Historian, Sunday school teacher and formerly as chairman of the Board of Deacons. She was also a member of the Antioch Adult Choir and the Building and Grounds committee. She was a lifetime member of the Hardrawee Extension Club and a member of the Enfield Tuesday Afternoon Study Club.

The family will receive friends at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Ave. in Roanoke Rapids on Friday, Sept. 25, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and other times at the home. Funeral services will be held at Antioch Baptist Church, 4070 Heathsville Rd., Enfield, on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Susan Joyce, Rev. Joy Heaton, Rev. Winfred Porter and Rev. Judith Powell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to Antioch Baptist Church.