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Graveside Service will be Friday, September 10, 2021, 11am from the Mt. Hosea Church Cemetery, Quincy, Fla. Rev. Eddie York officiating.

Michael Rena Lewis was born on April 9, 1979, in Hollandale, Miss. He was the second child born to MacArthur Lewis and Delores Lewis. He was preceded in death by his loving father G. McArthur Lewis in October of 2020. Michael dedicated his life to Christ at an early age. He was baptized during revival the Summer of 1989 at Mount Hosea Missionary Baptist Church in Gadsden County, Florida.

Michael received his early education in the New York Public School System & Decatur County School System. At an early age, Michael knew he wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1997, Michael attended Valdosta State University to focus on receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education in Broad-Field Social Sciences. He entered Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga., in 2001 and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in Early Childhood Education in 2003. Michael went on to receive his Masters of Science Degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology from Nova Southeastern University in 2006. He earned a double Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership. In 2016, Michael earned a double Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership and Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Michael had a love for learning and always excelled academically and professionally. Upon receiving his degrees, he also attained several certifications as an educator. In June of 2020, Michael received his Clearance Certificate, Certificate for Middle Grades Mathematics, and Certificate for Early Childhood Education.

In 2021, Michael became a Certified Life Coach! He wanted to make sure that he could help his family and community in any way possible. Michael impacted the lives of students since 2006. He began his teaching career in 2006 as a 3rd Grade Teacher at Jones-Wheat Elementary School in Bainbridge, Ga. From 2008-2011, he was a 4th Grade Teacher at Harper Elementary School in Thomasville, Ga. In 2012, Michael then went to work at Bainbridge Middle School in Bainbridge, Ga. as a Math

Intervention Specialist and Coordinator for Project Lead the Way (PLTW). He was the Head Coach for the Men’s Soccer Team at Bainbridge High School in 2014. He also coached for area basketball, football, and track teams.

Michael was passionate about helping adults. Since 2012, Michael served as an Adjunct Professor of Adult Education at Southern Regional Technical College. He’d go into an area prison to teach prisoners aspiring to obtain their General Education Diploma (GED).

Being an Educator allowed Michael to use his strengths to allow students to celebrate what they do great, and then concentrate on remediating areas where they have room for change. Being an Educator is challenging, yet rewarding. Michael demonstrated his love for his job by caring for his students, encouraging them, and allowing them to be successful. While being an inspiration and role-model to his students, Michael was also a Leader in school and in the community.

Michael had an on-campus ministry in South Ga. & Tallahassee, Fla. from 2005-2007, V.A.L.O.R Ministries. From May 2013 to 2016, Michael was the BMS Site Coordinator for 21st Century CLC. He was an active member of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE). In 2010-2011 and 2013-2014, Michael was the District 3 Director with the GAE Board of Directors.

Dr. Michael Lewis was the recipient of several awards for scholarship and service to the community. From 1997-2001, Michael was a Kirbo Foundation Scholar. From 1997-2001, he was a HOPE Scholar. From 2001-2003, he was a HOPE Promise Teacher Scholar. Michael was on the National Deans List from 2001-2003. He was the President of the Thomas University Student Government Association from August, 2002- May, 2003. In 2003, he was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society. From 2008-2011, Michael received the Georgia Association of Educators and National Association of Educators Outstanding Leadership Award. He was also the President of the Thomasville Association of Educators from 2008-2011. In August of 2010, Michael was a Thomas University Hall of Fame Inductee.

In August 2011, he was selected to be on the Thomas University Alumnae Board of Governance. Michael was the President of the Decatur County Association of Educators in 2014. In July 2016, he was inducted into Phi Gamma Sigma

International Honor Society for Doctoral Graduates. In May of 2017, Michael was inducted into Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society for Doctoral Graduates. He received the great honor of being named Teacher of the Year at Bainbridge Middle School in 2019. The following year in February 2020 he was honored to receive the Black Image Award at Bainbridge Middle School.

To add to Michael’s passion in education and helping others, he published a children’s/adolescent book entitled “Adventures of Li’l Mikey”. In this book, Dr. Lewis chronicles the development of a young boy as he successfully endures various day-to-day challenges that are presented to him in life using morals, principles, and the sound guidance of his mentors. “The Adventures of Li’l Mikey” is exciting and fun; but most importantly, it’s challenging, impactful, and meaningful. It is a work of art that is still relevant today and is inspiring to the young men of this generation as they grow and face the challenges of our world.

Michael was a founding member of Valdosta State University’s Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. He crossed on March 29, 2001, with his close friends. He was the ace of the line I.S.A.E.D, and his line name was Hollow Man “The Total Package”!

Dr. Michael Rena Lewis was an inspiration to people at work and in the community. He loved his family and was there to support any and every one in need. Michael was truly a man of God. Through his actions, commitment, and dedication to helping others to be successful and realize their potential, he has made a great impact to those who have known him in every aspect of his life. Michael will definitely be missed!

Michael was called home to be with the Lord on September 1, 2021. He leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Delores Lewis of Dothan, Ala.; sister, Moansenee (Brandon) Conyers of Augusta, Ga.; two brothers, Mac Lewis of Bainbridge, Ga., and Matthew Lewis of Miss.; four nephews, Jordan of Bainbridge, Ga., Beau Conyers and Brandt Conyers of Augusta, Ga.; Cameron Conyers of Valdosta, Ga.; two godsons, Beau Conyers & Brandt Conyers; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Service will be live streamed via Facebook Bruton Mortuary @ time of service.