Bereavement and Homegoing

Charles Lewis, Jr. transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at his home in Petersburg, Virginia. Affectionately known as “Pop-Pop” by his close family and friends, he was born on April 9, 1933, to the late Charles and Lizzie B. Lewis, in Charles City County, Virginia.

At an early age, Charles accepted Christ and was baptized at New Vine Baptist Church in Charles City. He began his early education in the Charles City Public School System, graduating from Ruthville High School in 1952. Upon graduation, he attended Virginia State College (now University). While in college, he met the love of his life, Violet Harmon. He also became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

After college, Charles served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He worked at Allied Chemical (now Honeywell) until his retirement in 1990. When he moved to Petersburg, he joined First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Male Usher Board, The George E. Vaughn Bible Class, and the James H. Thweatt Memorial Club. In 1993, Charles was ordained as a Deacon. In 2019, after serving for over 26 years, he was honored to become Deacon Emeritus.

Charles was a passionate gardener. He enjoyed being outside working in his flower and vegetable gardens. Other hobbies included cooking, traveling, and photography. He especially loved capturing pictures of his grandchildren, who were a source of much pride and joy.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Melvin and George Lewis. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted and loving wife of over 66 years, Violet H. Lewis; daughter, Jovanni Washington (Jeffrey); granddaughter, Kimberly Washington; grandson, Stephen Washington; brother, William H. Lewis; along with a host of loving relatives, as well as devoted friends, including his next-door neighbors, Reverend Clyde and Alice Johnson.

The family extends special thanks to his devoted caregivers, Yolanda Wright and Andre Allen, for all the love, care and compassion shown to Charles.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor, officiating, and Rev. Dr. Clyde Johnson, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.

Greetings Metropolitan Family,

Please keep Servant Jeffrey and Mrs. Jovanni Washington, Kimberly, Stephen and Family lifted in your prayers in the passing of Deacon Emeritus Charles Lewis, Jr., father of Jovanni and grandfather of Kimberly and Stephen Washington.

Final arrangements for Deacon Emeritus Charles Lewis, Jr.

Friday, May 16, 2025

First Baptist Church

236 Harrison Street

Petersburg, VA

Homegoing Service: 11:00 a.m.

Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor, Officiating

Rev. Dr. Clyde Johnson, Sr., Eulogist

Interment: Immediately following service.

Southlawn Memorial Park