Dr. Nellie Hill Lewis entered the kingdom of heaven on February 20, 2024. By her side were her husband of 43 years, Nelson Lewis, her beloved only son, Glen “Ant” Hill, and her niece Deana Abbott Miller, whom she lovingly called “Deanapoo.” For the past 3 years, Dr. Lewis has been a much-loved resident of Barclay House of Aiken, always sharing a smile with everyone she encountered.
Dr. Lewis was a lifelong educator who taught at the secondary and college level for 31 years. She began her career at Winyah High School after graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1965. She furthered her education by receiving a Masters of Education degree from the Citadel and a Ph.D. in Science Education, with a concentration in physics, from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1968 Dr. Lewis began teaching at Pleasant Hill High School. While she adeptly taught various subjects throughout her career, she was most known for her love of science and her ability to translate difficult subject matter into meaningful lessons. She prepared her students to successfully navigate life beyond high school and college. It was her belief that time spent teaching was never lost.
Dr. Lewis chaired the Science Department at Pleasant Hill High School and sponsored the Beta Club. Her love of students compelled her facilitation of theatrical plays presented to the community over the years through her Beta Club involvement. The devotion her students felt for her was evidenced by the steadfast contact they maintained with her over the years. She was extremely proud of their accomplishments and enthusiastically celebrated with them.
Dr. Lewis was predeceased by her mother, Eleanor Kirby Stone, her father, Curtis Stone, her sister, Myrtle Francis Stone, all formerly of Georgetown. She was also predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Dean Stone Abbott and brother-in-law, James Abbott, of Florence.
Dr. Lewis is survived by her husband, W. Nelson Lewis of Hemingway and Aiken, her son, Glen “Ant” Hill, daughter-in-law, Beverly Baxley Hill, grandson Patrick Glen Hill of Columbia, grandson Grayson Powell (Emily) Hill, great-granddaughter Maeve Baxley Hill of Greenwood, a niece, Deana Abbott (Conway) Miller. Great-nephews are Albert Conway Miller, III, Drayton Kirby Miller, and Jameson Conrad Miller, all of Florence. Dr. Lewis is also survived by her stepchildren, W. Nelson (Holly) Lewis, Jr., of Windsor, SC, and Gina Lewis (Christopher) Bassford of Aiken. She has 5 step grandchildren, William Nelson Lewis III, Walter Roland Lewis, of Aiken, Brook Lewis (Joey) Cagle of Greenwood, Tara Maria (Nickolas) Adondakis of North Augusta, and Victoria Anne (Timothy) Jackson of Lexington, SC. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Barclay House, especially Lynn Gilchrist, Lisa James, and her special sitter, Annie Mathis.
Funeral arrangements will be handled by Morris Funeral Home with visitation at The Morris Funeral Home Chapel at 12:30 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Immediately following visitation, a graveside service will be held at Old Johnsonville Cemetery at 2:00 PM. Memorials can be sent to the First Methodist Church, PO Box 6, Hemingway, SC, 29554.