Joseph R. Lewis passes away doing what he loved—helping members at East DeKalb Senior Center in Lithonia

LITHONIA, GA–Members at the East DeKalb Senior Center are mourning the loss of Joseph Randall Lewis, the man who made them smile and kept them busy. Mr. Lewis, who was the center’s events coordinator, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 17. Members said another employee found Mr. Lewis in his office. Mr. Lewis was 36.

Several members of the senior center will bid Mr. Lewis farewell farewell at homegoing services planned this weekend. They will be wearing their gold Bruce Street Senior Center T-shirts, a member of the center said. A brand new center replaced the Bruce Street center in Lithonia, which has been repurposed.

Mr. Lewis began working for DeKalb County on Jan. 25, 2021.

Mr. Lewis was born in Abbeville, SC to James Richard Lewis, Sr. and Diana Wilder Lewis. Joseph Lewis graduated from Calhoun Falls High school in 2004 and went on to earn his degree from the University of South Carolina in 2008. He was dedicated to his work at the senior center and found great joy in spending time with his family and friends.

Joseph leaves behind a legacy of love and precious memories in the hearts of his parents, James and Diana of Calhoun Falls; his sister, Jacquelin Lewis of Easley, S.C.; his brother, James Richard Lewis, Jr. (Kellie) of Harrisburg, N.C.; maternal grandparents, Elder Coleman and Mrs. Jessica Wilder; as well as his nephew and nieces, James R. Lewis III, Jordyne Lewis, Kendall Lewis, and Katelyne Lewis.

A viewing for Mr. Lewis will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023, 3 to 6 p.m., at the Harris Funeral Home, Calhoun Falls Chapel. His funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church, 205 Marion St., Calhoun Falls, SC. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Abbeville, SC.