Margaret Watson Lewis

Margaret Watson Lewis, 93, of Greenville, SC, and Chatham, VA, passed away peacefully on May 19. The daughter of Marion Howell Watson and Alma Mays Watson, Marge (Margie to some) grew up in Danville, VA and spent much of her childhood with family nearby in Chatham, VA. After attending Converse College, she married her childhood friend and sweetheart, Benjamin Williamson Lewis, and they raised four children, Tom, Howell, Katie and Anne, in Greenville, SC. Marge moved to her beloved Chatham, VA in 2007. Marge’s joyful life was rooted in her strong faith, and her love for family and her many wonderful friends. If she knew you at all, she had memorized your birthday. She was the neighborhood mom, room mother, volunteer school nurse, and Cub Scout den mother. Best of all, she loved to have fun. Marge taught her children and grandchildren the songs and games she learned from her grandmother. There is no sweeter memory than playing William Trembletoes and laughing together on the porch at Pawleys Island on a summer evening. Her gift was bringing people together. Every summer for many years, she organized a family reunion in Chatham for the Watsons. Marge quietly served others in so many ways, large and small. She faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels in Greenville for 35 years and often took one of her children along to “help”. “Miss Marge” taught the three year old Sunday School class at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Greenville for many years, and served as both deacon and elder. She played such a significant role in the Presbyterian Women’s Ministry that she received an honorary life membership in the PCUSA Women’s Organization. Marge enjoyed cooking at the Wednesday night suppers for many years. After moving to Chatham, she loved spending time with dear friends and volunteering at the Watson Memorial Church. Marge donated blood so faithfully over the years that she received special recognition from the Red Cross. In her last years when she could not get out and about, Marge crocheted countless hats, crosses, and prayer shawls to give away to anyone who needed a little bit of love. She loved South Carolina, but Marge was first and foremost a Virginian. Thomas Jefferson was her hero. She was a lovely and gentle woman who exuded warmth, strength, and love. Marge is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Marion Howell Watson, Jr., her husband, Ben Lewis, and her dear grandson, Howell Joseph (“Joe”) Lewis. She is survived by her children, Tom Lewis (Michele), Howell Lewis (Karen), Katie Lewis, and Anne Maxey (Tom), her grandchildren, Sarah Lewis Alnoon, Emma Lewis, Bill Lewis, Anna Peddle, Meghan Maxey and Emily Maxey, and her great-grandson, Noah Alnoon. A memorial service and celebration of life for Marge will be held at Chatham Presbyterian Church in Chatham VA on Saturday, June 15 at 1:00 PM, with visitation at the Church beginning at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Chatham Presbyterian Church, 128 Main St., Chatham, VA 24531.

Margaret Watson Lewis

May 19, 2024