By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
Mrs. Jewel Lewis, a community icon and pioneer in Broward County and most assuredly the Franklin Park Community, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Lucian Lewis, Jr., with whom she co-owned and operated the Ponderosa Restaurant, located in the Franklin Park community, Broward County, for over forty years. For many years Mrs. Lewis – from 2003-2010 – hosted Thanksgiving dinners for the entire community, demonstrating the benevolent spirit that so captivated and personified Christian values she acquired from her loving parents. Always heavily and actively involved in the community, she counseled numerous individuals and families, assisting all who needed uplifting in times of distress. She was a visible, constant participant in YMCA programs such as the Soup and Salad Bowl initiative and in addition was recognized as a role model at a Move Broward event. Because of her community involvement, she was recognized as one of the TWENTY HONOREES representing the first 20 years of the Westside Gazette Newspaper. Contributions of her late husband, Lucien, to the Broward community, particularly the Franklin Park community and with her steadfast loyalty and support, led to the renaming of a local park after this committed couple along with the Chisom family, Lewis-Chisom Park located in the neighborhood at 2620 NW 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale. The success of her business allowed her to motivate young Black men and women to be culturally astute, proud of their heritage and the myriad contributions African American had given to the American culture and society, providing Afro-centric educational materials before they were included the Broward Schools curriculum or even widely read in minority homes. She was truly ahead of her time. This iconic pioneer will certainly be missed.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at James C. Boyd Funeral Home, 2324 Sistrunk Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311
The Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on December 28, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Piney Grove, 1699 West Oakland Park Blvd. Lauderhill, Florida 33313
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