Biography: Emily Beatrice Linen Lewis, daughter of the late William and Hessie Brown Linen, beloved mother of Gladys, Horace, Sharon and Sandra was called home by her heavenly Father on December 4, 2017.
 

 
 Emily, known to family and friends as “Bea” was born in Georgetown, SC on June 27, 1936.  Bea received her education in the Georgetown Public School System.  In her early years, she attended St. Paul A.M.E.
 
In 1956, following her older sisters, Irene and Ethel, Bea migrated to New York and settled in the Bronx. Here she met and married Samuel Lewis who preceded her in death. Bea was employed by the Fulton Avenue Nursing Home for several years, followed by a 40-year career with A.J. Siris, Inc., from where she retired.
 
In 1956, at the invitation of her roommate and friend, Annie Mae Holmes Rush, Bea visited First Glorious Church and a short time later became a member of the church.   It was here that she learned the way of holiness, was baptized and became spirit filled.  Bea was a faithful member from the start and this steadfast love and devotion for the church continued throughout her entire life, under the leadership of both the late Reverend A.B. Duncan and Pastor Ronald Hare.
 
Bea was a member of the Usher Board for over 60 years and served as a member and also as vice president of the Board.  At the request of a child  in the church who wanted to usher, Bea started the junior usher board which continues to this day.
 
Following the Lord’s direction, along with her love for children, Bea began working with and supervising the Youth department choir.  Many parents entrusted their children with her because she ruled with a firm hand and a loving heart.  Bea treated each child as her own.
 
Bea loved the Lord and studying his word. She started each day with her daily devotion and she ended with prayers of gratitude at night.  She was a faithful Sunday school student until her health declined.
 
Bea was devoted to her family and friends and she never met a stranger.  Bea was known for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.  But above all, Bea always had unwavering faith and it was this faith that allowed her to experience the miracle of extended life when all the medical reports indicated otherwise.  When you left her presence and heard her testimony, you were joyful, thankful, and above all, hopeful!
.
Bea leaves to cherish her memories: three daughters, 1 son, and a special daughter/niece, Gladys Wiggins, Nashville, TN, Sharon Lewis Graham (Charles), Blythewood, SC, Sandra Lewis Hare (Ronald), Bronx, NY,   Horace Linnen (Hattie), Georgetown, SC, and Karen Powell (Brian); 2 brothers, Herbert Linnen (Florine), and William Linnen, Jr., Georgetown SC; 1 sister-in-law, Laura Kelly (Glassboro, NJ); 1 aunt, Ruth Holmes, Georgetown, SC; 9 grandchildren, Antonio Wiggins, Dominique Linnen, Terrilyn Lawrence (Jason), Tara Wiggins-Smith (Andre), Charles Nathaniel Graham, Jr (Jeanie), Horace Levon Linnen (Chanell), Jessica Graham (Blake Hinton), Christopher Ronald Hare, and Jarrahd Linnen; 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild; devoted nieces, Jennifer Scott-Jones, Nicole Carr, Florence Scott, and Hellen Taylor; 2 special cousins, Sarah Winns, Georgetown, SC and Jannie Bryant, Atlanta, GA; 4 godchildren, Dorothy Carr, Shirley Washington, Barbara Coates, and Tarik Nelson Jones (Patricia);  devoted friends, Katie Sargent, Thelma Jackson, and Eileen Burton; spiritual children, Jacqueline Lea (Roland), Helen Lawhorne (Richard), and Johnnie M. Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many, friends.