Rudolph Lewis

Rudolph Lewis, the son of the late Lucinda Lewis Reid and Elder Whyce, was born on August 24, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland. After a prolonged illness, God, in His infinite wisdom, called Mr. Lewis home on Monday, March 31, 2025. Rudy was raised in Jarratt, Virginia by his grandparents, William and Ella Lewis. His grandparents ensured he attended church and learned about God early on. Rudy was baptized at Jerusalem Baptist Church during his childhood. Rudy completed his early education in Sussex County public schools. He graduated from Central High School in 1964 at the age of sixteen. In 1965, he left Jarratt to attend Morgan State College (University) in Baltimore. After listening to Stokely Carmichael, Walter Lively, and Bob Moore discussing black responsibility in the fall of 1967, he left Morgan to engage in community work. In 1972, he joined the English Department at the University of Maryland, College Park. He earned a BA in 1978 and an MA in 1981. He then taught writing and literature at the University of the District of Columbia and the University of Maryland. In 1982, he spent ten weeks with the Peace Corps in Zaire. Rudy continued his education and earned a second master's degree in library science in 1997. His sister, Celestine Watkins, passed away after his 70th birthday. Rudy and Celestine both had a passion for teaching. Rudy has held various positions throughout his career, including working at The Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore, serving as a union organizer for Local 1199, and being a professor at The University of New Orleans. Between 2000 and 2004, he was the librarian at St. Mary’s Seminary, where he met his future wife, Yvonne Terry. Rudy used his creativity to establish "Chicken Bones," a literary website for blacks, and formed a close friendship with Yvonne while collaborating on the journal. In 2009, Rudy married Yvonne and welcomed two stepdaughters, Toni and Kiwana, along with four step-grandchildren, Derek, Troy, Shaqunia, and Derian. In his final months, Rudy showed a deep love for God and concern for others. He enjoyed teaching, writing, reading, music, art, and spending time with family. He leaves to cherish their memories of him, his devoted wife, Yvonne Terry-Lewis, two stepdaughters Antoinette Terry and Kiwana Floyd (Marshon), four siblings, Deborah Ferguson of Woodstock, Maryland, Theresa Wilson ( Timothy) of Petersburg, Viginia, Ronald Reid (Tamaqua) residing in Italy. Aisha Tyler (Melvin) of Baltimore, Maryland, four loving step-grandchildren, Derek, Troy, Shaqunia and Derian, one bonus aunt Della Threet, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. He also had three special friends of more than fifty years, Bob Moore, Fred Mason, and Kinya Kiongozi who will cherish his memory.

Tributes

Rudolph Lewis

August 24, 1948 - March 31, 2025