Lucella Hill Lewis, 91, of the Gladesboro Community, passed away in her daughter's home on Sunday, October 8, 2023.  Born and growing up in the Fancy Gap community, Lucella was the daughter of William Ferd and Ruth Hill. She was fiercely proud of her parents often saying how proud she was to be the daughter of such hard-working and honest people.  Lucella married Edward Lewis on April 7, 1950 and began a loving marriage and partnership of 49 years until cancer took Edward from her in 1999.  Lucella was taught to read by her father reading the local newspaper and began school in the second grade, graduating at Hillsville High School in 1948 at age 16 years old and Salutatorian of her class.  Lucella knew from an early age she "wanted to be a school teacher".  However, her first child, Sharleen, was born in 1951 and her education was put on hold until she returned to Radford University and graduated in May 1975 with honors.  Lucella taught at Gladesboro Elementary, Grades 5-6, for 16 years. One of her favorite stories that sums up her teaching philosophy was when she overheard one of her "little boys" telling someone "Ms. Lewis is tough on us, but we know she loves us."  Lucella felt if she could help give a child good reading skills along with a little self-discipline they could succeed in life.

But her classroom was not always so serious, for example one year at Easter Edward built a portable egg hatcher and with their parents' permission each student had either a chick or duck egg to care for until it hatched and they could take their baby home with them.  Never one to disappoint her students, Lucella had planned a trip to Washington DC so her class could see our government at work.  She was plagued with a kidney stone at the last minute before the trip. Determined not to disappoint all the kids and cancel the trip, Lucella when to the doctor, got pain medication and journeyed on to the nation's capital.

Lucella and Edward had several years together sharing the chores of feeding cattle after she retired from teaching in June 1991.  Edward bought a cab Ford tractor, Lucella put on a pair of overalls and during the snow and bad winter days they could be found together tending the cattle.  Lucella always climbed out and opened the gates for Edward.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ferd and Ruth Hill. In March of 1999, Edward went home to be with the Lord after being cared for at their home by Lucella and their children. Survivors include daughter Sharleen and Glen, Hillsville, son William "Bill" and Patsy, Hillsville; Grandson Richard "Chuck" Burnette, Hillsville, Niece Anne Paige Smith, Chicago IL, Brother-in-law Jasper Jack Janney.

Funeral services will be held at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel with Rev. Glen H. Sage officiating.  The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 12, 4pm until 6pm with the service following at 6pm in the Chapel.  Burial will follow the next morning, Friday, October 13, 2023, in the family cemetery, James F. Goad cemetery at 11:00am. A guestbook is available on-line by visiting www.vaughanguynnmcgrady.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you send donations to the Good Hope Cemetery Fund. Please make your check to Good Hope Cemetery Fund and mail to Sharleen Sage, 1928 Crooked Oak Road, Hillsville, VA 24343.