Pheobe Jo. Lewis

Pheobe Jo Lewis went to her Heavenly home in the early morning hours of Mother’s Day, 2013. Graveside services will be held in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 10:30a.m under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St. A celebration of life service will be at 2:00p.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Hillcrest Church of Christ. The family will receive friends at a visitation Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. at the funeral home.

She was preceded in death by James Earl Lewis, her loving husband of 45 years; her parents, Ralph and Mary Payne; and two sisters, Phyllis and Lolita. Both of her sisters died in childhood but she had good lifelong friends that were just like sisters; Rozelle Martin, Jeri Fuller, Gladys Smith, Dell Olson, and Ruby Moran. She loved and was loved by her constant companions of the last few years; Victoria Stone and Dianne Mahan. The three of them were affectionately known as “the girls.”

Pheobe and Earl’s home was always open to anyone that was in need of a place to stay, be it missionaries, traveling preachers, family members or friends. Pheobe never wanted anyone to be hungry. Her favorite thing to do was cook, and a great cook, she was. They always had apartments that were rented by college students. Pheobe and Earl were surrogate parents to many college students that were far away from home.

In 1957, Pheobe and Earl opened their first KN Root Beer Drive-In in Graham with carhop service. In 1966, they moved to Abilene and built KN Root Beer Drive-In at 1942 Pine. That building was later moved to 549 Ambler with inside service when Hendrick Medical Center expanded. They were the epitome of hospitality, knowing each customer by name, all their kids, what they did for a living and any need that they might have. They were loved by so many people.

They opened up their home yearly for a home cooked dinner for the First State Bank employees, business associates and friends as a gesture of appreciation. She would have as many as 70-80 guests for this yearly, anticipated meal.

Pheobe and Earl were big supporters of Eastern Little League. At some time during each season, they would invite each team to the KN Drive-In for root beers or pink lemonade. They also sponsored teams such as the KN Root Beer Muggers. Sometimes, they would just show up at a baseball practice, open the tailgate of their station wagon and give out refreshments. Even when their own grandsons were too old for little league, they were still supporters. Pheobe LOVED a good baseball game.

Pheobe was the best grandmother in the world. Never missing any activity that her grandchildren or great-grandchildren were in, she used every opportunity to brag on them. Her love for her family exceeded everything except her love for the Lord. Pheobe was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ for over 40 years. She had many friends in her church family and was always the first to welcome a new member.

She is survived by a very loving family of her children, Melvin and Sharon Lewis and Eddie and Judy Lewis; her grandchildren, Randy and Kim, Rod, Phillip and April, Monte, and Katelyn Lewis and her great-grandchildren, Gates, Brazos, McKenzie, Kaden, Ryden and Madalyn Lewis.

Her family wishes to thank the employees of Coronado Nursing Home and Hospice of the Big Country for the wonderful care that they gave to our precious mother. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the mission ministry at Hillcrest Church of Christ or Hospice of the Big Country.

No more tears, no more sorrows. Our sweet, sweet Mother has gone to Heaven to claim her mansion. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and how fitting that she was in Heaven with her mother on Mother’s Day.