Obituary
Katherine Joann Lewis (Jo), aged 91, formerly of Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on 1/10/2022 with her daughters by her side. Jo Lewis was born the youngest of 6 children to Leonard and Lena Holloway in Lansing Michigan. During high school she received the award for the fastest typist in the state of Michigan and used this wonderful skill to become a successful court reporter. After spending her early years in Michigan working and raising her children she moved to Ocala, FL and continued to work as a court reporter until she completely retired at the grand young age of 80. Jo had a passion for ballroom dancing and earned many awards including numerous first place ribbons. She was a history buff and traveled to numerous places in the world including England, Europe, Canada, Okinawa, Alaska and Hawaii. She particularly loved early American history and visited many historical sites on US soil. She loved to travel by train and came close to visiting all 50 states. Jo was an avid quilter and crafter and made beautiful quilts from vintage hankies she collected in her travels and at local antique shopping jaunts with her daughters. She gifted dozens of these quilts to family and friends and everyone who received one knew they were receiving an heirloom treasure.
She is survived by her 99 year old sister Arneal Kart, 7 children, (6 daughters and 1 son): Daughters Theresa Johnson (Ron Johnson), Penelope Hyde (Jon Marshall). Nancy Krill (Dennis Krill), Judy DeGlopper, Linda Hoebbel, Maggie Klement, and son Wiliiam R.Lewis III, 15 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, one son, James S. Hyde Jr, 4 siblings and her husband William R. Lewis II.
A visitation will be held on 1/19/22 from 1-3 pm at Baldwin Brothers 954 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Florida. A celebration of life will be held with her family later in Michigan. Date to be announced.
She was always a pleasure to talk to — always smiling, always positive and her laugh was contagious.
She enjoyed living and her full life shows it. I was so amazed today at the visitation. I saw her beautiful pictures from when she was a dancer and all her impressive blue ribbons: 1st Place— Fred Astaire…
We had such a great time at the Appleton Museum a few years ago before Covid hit and we were planning to go back again this year because I retire from the City of Ocala March 31st and we had talked about our next excursion there.
In her memory, I will go.
Prayers continue for her family…
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4.❤️