Glenna Belle Lewis

On April 09, 2024, Glenna Belle Lewis passed from her earthly home to Heaven at Governor’s Bend Assisted Living Center. Glenna was born November 17. 1932 to the late William Sherman Lewis and Cinda Jane Hensley Lewis.

She was a native of Unicoi County and lived in Erwin her entire life. Following high school, Glenna attended East Tennessee State College, graduating with a teaching certificate in 1953. Glenna began her teaching career which spanned forty-four years, at Mountain Dale Elementary, followed by Coffee Ridge Elementary. Lastly, she spent the bulk of her career at Temple Hill Elementary, retiring in 1997.

In 1998 she and her nephew, Joey Lewis, went into the antique business together. Beginning as Lewis and Lewis Antiques with booths at various antique malls in the surrounding area. Opening Valley Beautiful Antique Mall in 2003, Glenna enjoyed interacting with a multitude of customers daily over her twenty years there. She often was spotted sitting outside the store reading a book.

In addition to collecting Erwin Pottery for over thirty-five years, she was a member of the Blue Ridge and Cash Family Pottery Clubs. She traveled across the United States in search of Erwin’s famous pottery. Other loves included bowling with her sister, Frankie, in various women’s leagues, as well as spectating at all Unicoi County and University of Tennessee sporting events. She was rewarded for her service as a local statistician. She had a particular fondness for Cincinnati Reds Baseball and traveled with family to games.

She had an affection for coffee that spanned her life, beginning at age four on her grandmother’s knee. Glenna loved reading, working crossword puzzles and spending time with her family, whom she cherished.

Glenna was a lifelong member of Mountain Dale Freewill Baptist Church where she was honored in 2021 as the church’s oldest member at age 89. She was proud to vote the Republican ticket consistently.

Other than her parents, Glenna was preceded in death by sisters: Frankie Lewis and Mary Lewis Willis; brothers: Everette, Jack, Lloyd, Brownloe, Danie, Clifford, and Don “Brushy” Lewis.

Glenna is survived by local nephews: Joey and Mike Lewis; niece, Vicki Lewis Osborne, husband, Eric and great niece, Laurel Osborne; she is survived by several other nieces, nephews, and cousins both near and far; her special neighbors, Gene, and Susie Willis; a special group of teacher friends: Denise Brown, Teresa Bowman, Elizabeth Willis, and Teresa Engle.

The Lewis family will receive friends on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Reverend Tommy Hensley will officiate Glenna’s 1:00 p.m. funeral service. Music will be provided by the Mountain Dale Trio and Joey Lewis. Interment will follow in Hensley Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Glenna’s nephews and the men of Mountain Dale Freewill Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Glenna to: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, www.imaginationlibrary.com and/or Mountain Dale Freewill Baptist Church, 102 Little Bald Creek Road, Erwin, Tennessee 37650.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Christian Care Center of Unicoi County, Governor’s Bend Assisted Living and Amedisys Hospice for all the love and care given to Glenna. Also, a special thank you to Sheriff Mike Hensley and the Unicoi County Deputies for their assistance.  

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Lewis family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin is privileged to serve the Lewis family. (423) 743-1380.

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