Martha Kemp Lewis

October 10, 1925 - February 21, 2021

Martha Kemp, known to many as Big Mama was born to the late Aaron and Ethel Kemp in West Helena, Arkansas on October 10, 1925. Martha accepted Christ at an early age at Freedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Late in life she joined Mt. Lula Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Heard. She moved to West Helena, AR; where she then joined Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Norman Lewis. She was very active on the usher board. She later became a mother on the motherboard. Martha Kemp was a kind hearted loving person. Her compassion was her children. Martha married the love of her life Rev. Norman Lewis on July 3, 2003. Martha made her transformation from this earthly life to Eternal peace on February 21, 2021 at her daughter's home Deloris Harmon. Martha was preceded in death by both of her parents Aaron and Ethel Kemp. Her husband Rev. Norman Lewis, her sons Sonny Kemp, James Curtis Williams, L.C. Williams, Toney Avance, and Larry Jones. Her two sisters Florence Mae Jordan, and Earnestine Carter. Her two brothers Roosevelt and Robert Kemp, and one brother-in-law Elgie Hall. Martha was a mother of 16 children who she leaves to forever carry on her memory: Eight daughters: Barbara Carthan of West Helena, AR; Sue Ellen Wade of Lakeview, AR; Faye Haire, Deloris Harman, Ethel Wade (Eddie) Cobb and Brenda Kaye Jones all of West Helena, AR; Debra Perry of Arlington, TX and Evone Avance of Conway, AR; Three sons: Edward (Medina) Jones of Killeen, TX; Dwight Haire and Alvin Avance both of West Helena, AR; One sister Virginia Hall of Little Rock, AR; Two special daughter-in-laws LeVerne Williams and Dorothy Avance. A special great granddaughter Ethel Garza. A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren who will miss her dearly. “Mother” The sunshine of my life, the apple of my eye, your guidance has helped me over the years achieve unspeakable things. The bond we shared will forever be there. I’m thankful for experience the 7 years that we lived together. Your 95 years of living on this earth has Blessed everyone you have encountered. Love You Mom…. Your Daughter, Ethel Jean Cobb Obituary Processional…………………………………………………………......................Ministers & Family Prayer………………………………..................................Elder Handsome Donohoo Scripture Reading………………..Old & New Testaments…………………..Apostle Bryan Carter Song………………………………………....................................................... Poem…………………………………..............................................Ethel Garza Resolution and Acknowledgements…………………….................Sis. Addie Wilborn Song…………………………………......................................................... Obituary Read Silent…………………………...........................…………………Soft Music Words of Encouragement……………………………………............Evangelist Nellie Brownlee Solo……………………………….......................................…Deacon Louis Trice Eulogy…………………................................................Rev. Brownlee Final Viewing……………………......................Stephens Funeral Home In Charge Honorary Pallbearers Edward Jones Bryan Carter Dwight Haire Eddie Cobb Alvin Avance Calvin Carter Active Pallbearers Gregory Jones Ralph Carter Lonnie Carthan Izear Jones Charles Thomas David Coleman Carolos Harmon Tommie Avance Interment New Zion Cemetery Old Little Rock Rd West Helena, AR 72390 Repast Acknowledgements The family of Martha Lewis would like to give thanks to her physician Dr. Bell, Kindred at Home Care, Hospice Legacy Care, Hospice Legacy Care Caregivers, Ms. Iva Newsome, Ms. Khadeja Brider, Andrea Carthan and Ms. Levette Lamar for their outstanding love for our mother. We also want to thank each and every one for their calls, texts, floral arrangements, or even a simple stop by we appreciate whatever you did. Thank you ~ The Family of Mrs. Martha Lewis~ We Entrusted Our Love One to the Professional Staff of: Stephens Funeral Home 257 Panama Rd West Helena, AR 72390 Family and friends due to COVID-19 we are asking that you allow enough time for our staff to check fevers and give out hand sanitizer. To protect the family and friends of Mrs. Martha Kemp Lewis we are asking if you have had a cough or cold that you stay home. Anyone who enter the facility must have on a face covering.