Fannie Lee Smith Lewis, 93, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 30,2008. She was born on Feb. 8, 1915, at McCall Creek in FranklinCounty to Walter Lee and Mae Smith Smith.

She graduated from Lucien High School, Copiah-Lincoln JuniorCollege and the University of Southern Mississippi. She was along-time educator teaching at Pleasant Grove School, Auburn, FairOak Springs and West Lincoln. After 44 years of dedicated serviceto the teaching profession, she retired. Although retired, shenever missed an opportunity to “teach” – these teachings were moreabout life than books.

Mrs. Fannie Lee began her faithfulness and dedication to herchurch, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, in 1927. For 81 years, herchurch was such a great part of her life. Through the years shefaithfully served her Lord in many capacities.

She was an active member of the Daughters of the AmericanRevolution Chapter of Chloe Holt serving in various positions,including regent for three years. She was also a member of theColonial Dames 17th Century and the retired teachers’organization.

Mrs. Fannie Lee was most proud of her family and theiraccomplishments. She was extremely proud of her heritage anddedicated much time and energy to the study of genealogy. Sittingon her porch and watching her hummingbirds also brought her greatdelight.

Her parents; her husband, Hiram Lewis; her brothers, Marshall E.Smith and Eldon P. Smith; and her sister, Helen Louise Smith,preceded her in death.

Survivors include her daughters, Norma Jean Hammill and husband,Dr. Miller Hammill, of Brookhaven, and Mary Louise Freshwater andhusband, Dave, of Bogue Chitto. Her grandchildren, Jennifer HammillRebich and husband, Richard, of Jackson, Dr. Melanie Hammill Bishopand husband, Dr Steve Bishop, of Summit, Dr. Renee Freshwater, ofMarietta, Ga., Rhonda Freshwater, of Atlanta and Robin FreshwaterGreer and husband, Paul, of Brookhaven, also survive her. Shetreasured the young lives of her great-grandchildren, Anna Millerand Allen Rebich; Katherine, Ruth, Eleanor and Arthur Bishop;Lainey, Landon and Carson Greer. Survivors also include her sister,Nelda Mae Wallace, of Bogue Chitto; her brothers, James CarrollSmith, of Bogue Chitto, David L. Smith, of Jackson, and George T.Smith, of Groves, Texas. A host of nieces and nephews who admiredand loved her dearly also survive her.

Services for Mrs. Fannie Lee, were 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1, atPleasant Grove Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.Brookhaven Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Copiah-LincolnCommunity College Foundation, P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191,toward the Fannie Lee Smith Lewis Scholarship. This scholarship wasbegun to recognize a well-deserving West Lincoln High Schoolstudent who exemplifies the qualities that “Miss Fannie Lee”instilled in those that she taught.