Teresa Ellen Townsend-Lewis

Teresa Townsend Lewis passed away at the Atrium Hospital in Shelby, North Carolina on December 3rd, 2024 at the age of 72. Teresa was full of life and wanted to live a longer life more than anything, but her body succumbed to the Goodpasture's Syndrome Disease, a cruel disease that affected her lungs and kept her on oxygen day and night.

Teresa Townsend Lewis was born Teresa Ellen on December 15, 1951 in the state of Maine to the late Gordon and Betsie Bishop. Terry, as she became known as, grew up on a huge farm with her little brother Steven. They lived on a 400 acre farm where they both learned about agriculture and nature. Growing up on so much land Teresa became a true lover of animals and throughout her life she had many furry friends, she also went on to become a serious advocate for animals.

During her teenage years her family relocated to Long Island, New York, where she lived a great deal of her adult life. As far as careers, Terry wore many hats. She became an insurance agent, a nurse's aid to the mentally retarded and the elderly. She then continued on her road to success by becoming a Paralegal. Lastly, Terry obtained a Bachelor's Degree of Science and became a counselor to those who were addicted to alcohol and drugs. In addition to all the above, Terry was a successful owner of an Italian restaurant.

Terry married Larry Bumble and their union produced 2 beautiful children, Shaun and Sherrie Bumble. Some time later, Terry and Larry divorced and went their separate ways. As the years passed by, she moved to North Carolina where she met Fred Lewis and married him. While being married to Fred, she took care of her mother and made sure she was by her side until she passed away.

Terry was an exceptional intelligent person, those who would come in contact with her would recognize this fact immediately. Terry was so talented in so many areas including building a couple of houses. She loved hiking, swimming and camping. Her favorite food was Mexican food and her favorite movie was "The Notebook", a beautiful love story. During her latter years, she enjoyed coloring puzzles on her laptop and caring for her pets. She was a lovely person and well loved by everyone. Her neighbors would describe Terry as always looking out for those less fortunate people who needed help, a good Samaritan indeed.

Teresa Townsend Lewis is predeceased by her father Gordon Bishop, her mother Bestie Bishop, her brother Steven Bishop and her beautiful grandson David Wayne Newman Jr., whom she loved very much. Terry is survived by her two children, Shaun Bumble, Sherrie Bumble, her 4 grandchildren, Shaun Bumble Jr., Sterling Smiley, Alize Bumble, Kashawn Thompson and her granddaughter Nalani. She is also survived by Fred Lewis, her husband. She will be deeply missed by her family ! Terry also leaves to grieve a host of friends and neighbors. She will be also missed by so many people including her pets and all her furry friends that reside on her land.