Velma J. Lewis

CASA BLANCA - Velma J. Lewis, 83, of Ajo died on March 11, 2014, at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City.

The celebration of life will be at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Baptist Indian Chapel in Casa Blanca, with Pastor Rob Broussard officiating. Burial was to be in Vah-Ki Cemetery.

Mrs. Lewis was born on Aug. 10, 1930, in Blackwater to Anton and Marie Jackson. In 1964 she and four children moved to Ajo with the Rev. Roland Bodine and his wife, Bernice, and also with the Rev. Don Schmidt and family to pursue her work as a missionary and interpreter to the Tohono O’odham communities of Hickiwan and Charco 27. From 1967 to 1976 she worked at Baptist Indian Mission in Ajo. She continued her service at Calvary Baptist Church in Ajo as a helper with youth groups and Awana clubs. She was a member of that church from 1965 until her death.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Ona M. Silver and Carol Stevens, and three sons, Walden, Alfred and Leslie Lewis. She is survived by a son, Matthew Lewis of Ajo; a sister, Donna Stone of Sacaton; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.