Martha Ruth Graves Lewis, 73, of Hornsby passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, at Bells Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services were 3 p.m. Saturday at the Henderson Church of Christ with Dr. Billy Smith officiating. Burial followed at Piney Grove Cemetery in Silerton. The family received friends at Shackelford Funeral Directors – Crook Avenue Chapel from 6-8 p.m. on Friday and from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. service time at the church on Saturday.
She was born on May 4, 1952, in Nashville to the late Robert E. and Ruth Marion Cato Graves. She graduated from Huffman High School in Birmingham, Ala., in 1970, and earned her bachelor’s degree from David Lipscomb University in 1974. In 2003, she furthered her education by earning an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Freed-Hardeman University.
A dedicated and passionate educator, she taught for 19 years at Bolivar Elementary School and retired from Hardeman County Schools in 2017. Her influence shaped generations of students.
On July 19, 1974, she married the love of her life, Robert Bruce Lewis, in Nashville. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service, living in Huntsville, Ala., before making their home in Hardeman County.
Martha was a faithful member of the Henderson Church of Christ and was deeply involved in church ministries throughout her life. She wrote Bible school curriculum for young children and joyfully served as a Bible class teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, Lads to Leaders mentor and Maywood Christian Camp supporter. She also taught ladies’ Bible classes and was active in senior saint’s ministries and activities. In 1981, she established a Mothers’ Day Out program at the Church of Christ in Joelton.
Beyond her church work, she contributed to her community and profession as a member of the NEA, TEA, and the Chester County Retired Teachers Association, where she served as Vice-President and President (2022–2024). She was also a long-time representative for AVON products.
Martha loved sewing, quilting, reading, and scrapbooking, but her greatest joy came from time spent with her family and church community.
She is survived by her beloved husband Dr. R. Bruce Lewis of Hornsby; daughters, Sharon (Clint) Lewis Kea of Hornsby and Marsha (Jason) Lewis White of Medina; grandchildren, Elliott Harris, Piper Harris, Mason White, David White, and Morgan Kea; and a brother, Baxter (Rita) Graves of Florence, Ala.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Granville Graves and Norman Graves.
