Lewis Sisters

The Lewis sisters, daughters of Enoch and Martha Lewis

Back Row, L to R: Nola, Minnie, Nancy
Front Row, L to R: Maude, Alice

This is one of my favorite photos of my grandmother, Maude Mary (Lewis) Fannin with her sisters. I remember how they always addressed each other as "Sister" and then the name.
No longer constrained by the bonds of earth's gravity, these fine women reside with the Lord. They left a legacy of faith, love, wisdom and strength.

Some of them I knew better than others. I only met Great-Aunt Alice (Lewis) Conley once or twice. I was privileged to know Great Aunt Nola (Lewis) Charles for about the last 15 years of her life. Grandmother, Maude Mary (Lewis) Fannin, lived near us in Fairborn, Ohio after my grandfather, Oscar H. Fannin passed away, but I was a teenager, and didn't spend much time with her. It was Minnie Ethel (Lewis) Ison that I was the closer to, her being a middle sister, like myself.

Aunt Minnie picked me as a 12 year old child to invite to spend a week at her little home in the hills of eastern Kentucky. My Mom and Dad said yes and I was thrilled! There were barn cats to chase, peony's blooming, land to play, and boxes of old Guideposts to leaf through and read out on the wooden porch. In the sweet morning air of the country, breathing in blossoms and fresh blooms, I would perch on one of the old wooden benches on the front porch, stretch out, and read to my heart’s content! Aunt Minnie would call me in to help her make the daily bread, and I would watch as she skillfully sifted the flour. I got to help knead the dough. Big, fluffy biscuits with eggs and bacon made for a large breakfast meal. My stomach full, I would help her wash up her dishes, and wonder at the strange colored glasses that she used and plates. (Depression glass) The dishes tucked away, I was released to run again and play, or curl up on the porch with all those Guideposts to read.

The years passed by quickly, and Aunt Minnie and I continued to stay in touch. She gave me my first subscription to the little magazine I had so enjoyed reading on her front porch. In high school, I sometimes would get a letter and $5.00 tucked in the envelope for some need I might have. It was a gift of sacrifice, and of love.

As an adult, a young mother, growing and learning, I could always turn to her for prayer and encouragement. My own daughter got to meet this strong and caring woman, and fell in love with her too.

I'll be sharing more about my dear Great -Aunt Minnie through this blog and pictures as well. Aunt Minnie honored me greatly by calling me "her daughter she never had." Indeed, she grieved the loss of a baby girl, Jean, all of her days. Her only son, Wayne, faithfully cared for her, and brought great joy into her life. I am glad that I was a part of it