Obituary for Elay O. LEWIS II
Elay O. Lewis, II was born January 30, 1974 in Dayton, Ohio. He was one of four children born to Geneva D. and Elay O. Lewis, Sr. Elay grew up in Dayton, Ohio where he attended and graduated from Christ Temple Christian School class of 1991. After he graduated from high school, he worked for General Motors Assembly Plant for eleven years and Kohl’s Distribution for three years. He also attended Grace Apostolic University of Truth where he studied for two years.
Elay was baptized in Jesus’ name and was filled with the Holy Ghost at a young age at Christ Temple Apostlic Faith Church, under the ministry of Bishop Fred Majors. He went on to attend Cathedral of Praise, Elder Randy Scott, Abundant Life Church, Bishop Joel Lofton and served faithfully until his death at St. James Miracle Temple, Bishop Joshua Washington.
Elay met Shaniqua Clark in 2012 and together they have two children, Serenity and Andrew. However, he lovingly opened his heart to welcome Tre´ and Jazlynn to his life. Elay was affectionately called “Poppy” by some that knew and loved him. He was given this name as a baby, because his cheeks were chubby and he looked like the Pop-n-Fresh dough boy. Poppy was everyone’s friend. He had a quiet gentle demeanor that was a blessing as he worked at several group homes supporting young males.
Elay enjoyed music and playing the drums at church. He loved playing the drums so much, his kids would catch him dozing off on the couch and playing the drums in the air and start laughing at him until he woke up. He played the drums for several churches over his life including Christ Temple, Abundant Life, Cathedral of Praise and St. James Miracle Temple.
In addition to playing the drums, he was also involved in the sound department for several churches. Elay enjoyed working and serving in God’s house. Wherever he went, Elay would jump in and help serve. Elay loved spending time with Shaniqua and the children. He enjoyed cooking for them especially on the holidays. Elay enjoyed doing family outings with Shaniqua and the kids, like taking them to Main Event and Scene 75 or even just going out for ice cream. He LOVED chocolate ice cream!
Elay was a friend, son, uncle, father, brother and Lover of God. He departed this life on Friday, November 18, 2022, passing into the arms of our Lord. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Geneva D. Lewis, his sister Alicia Genet, and brother Andrew Timothy. Elay leaves many loving family members, including his father, Elay O. Lewis, Sr. A devoted fiancee´ Shaniqua, their children Serenity and Andrew, bonus children Tre´ and Jazlynn. Devoted Sister, Angela (James) Hawkins; Special Uncle Clifford (Lula Mae) McDonald; Nieces Torre, Tolissa, Taylor, Alexis. Godmother, Mother Bessie Barrett. Bonus family includes Gail and Patrick Robinson, Anna May and Jared. Longtime friends Bishop Joshua Washington, Jermaine and Aja Graves, Randy and Tamika Scott and Jonathan Lofton. Additionally he leaves the St. James Miracle Temple and Christ Temple Church family and many close and caring friends to cherish his memory.
Funeral service will be held at 5:00 pm, Sunday, November 27, 2022, at Christ Temple Apostolic Church, 3241 Denlinger Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45406, with District Elder Scott Logan officiating. Walk through visitation will be held 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Interment: West Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to THOMAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 4520 Salem Ave. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com
Elay was baptized in Jesus’ name and was filled with the Holy Ghost at a young age at Christ Temple Apostlic Faith Church, under the ministry of Bishop Fred Majors. He went on to attend Cathedral of Praise, Elder Randy Scott, Abundant Life Church, Bishop Joel Lofton and served faithfully until his death at St. James Miracle Temple, Bishop Joshua Washington.
Elay met Shaniqua Clark in 2012 and together they have two children, Serenity and Andrew. However, he lovingly opened his heart to welcome Tre´ and Jazlynn to his life. Elay was affectionately called “Poppy” by some that knew and loved him. He was given this name as a baby, because his cheeks were chubby and he looked like the Pop-n-Fresh dough boy. Poppy was everyone’s friend. He had a quiet gentle demeanor that was a blessing as he worked at several group homes supporting young males.
Elay enjoyed music and playing the drums at church. He loved playing the drums so much, his kids would catch him dozing off on the couch and playing the drums in the air and start laughing at him until he woke up. He played the drums for several churches over his life including Christ Temple, Abundant Life, Cathedral of Praise and St. James Miracle Temple.
In addition to playing the drums, he was also involved in the sound department for several churches. Elay enjoyed working and serving in God’s house. Wherever he went, Elay would jump in and help serve. Elay loved spending time with Shaniqua and the children. He enjoyed cooking for them especially on the holidays. Elay enjoyed doing family outings with Shaniqua and the kids, like taking them to Main Event and Scene 75 or even just going out for ice cream. He LOVED chocolate ice cream!
Elay was a friend, son, uncle, father, brother and Lover of God. He departed this life on Friday, November 18, 2022, passing into the arms of our Lord. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Geneva D. Lewis, his sister Alicia Genet, and brother Andrew Timothy. Elay leaves many loving family members, including his father, Elay O. Lewis, Sr. A devoted fiancee´ Shaniqua, their children Serenity and Andrew, bonus children Tre´ and Jazlynn. Devoted Sister, Angela (James) Hawkins; Special Uncle Clifford (Lula Mae) McDonald; Nieces Torre, Tolissa, Taylor, Alexis. Godmother, Mother Bessie Barrett. Bonus family includes Gail and Patrick Robinson, Anna May and Jared. Longtime friends Bishop Joshua Washington, Jermaine and Aja Graves, Randy and Tamika Scott and Jonathan Lofton. Additionally he leaves the St. James Miracle Temple and Christ Temple Church family and many close and caring friends to cherish his memory.
Funeral service will be held at 5:00 pm, Sunday, November 27, 2022, at Christ Temple Apostolic Church, 3241 Denlinger Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45406, with District Elder Scott Logan officiating. Walk through visitation will be held 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Interment: West Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to THOMAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 4520 Salem Ave. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com