Pastor Yvonne Pounds Lewis

Dr. Yvonne Lewis was born on November 4, 1950, in Magnolia to Llewellyn and Ethel Pounds. She shared her childhood with thirteen siblings. As the years progressed, and she became older, the late Edgar Lewis Jr. 's gaze found the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. As she made her way toward her school bus, he gathered his courage, stepped forward, and invited her to join him at the football game that very evening. She said yes—and in that simple moment, a love story began. On June 21, 1969, Edgar married Yvonne Pounds, the love of his life and his Queen. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage—years filled with joy, unwavering devotion, and a love as true as it was enduring. Their legacy lives on with their family, which includes 5 children, 20 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. The Beginning Stages of a Journey Toward Christ During her formative years, Pastor Yvonne Lewis worshiped at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout her life, she faithfully attended New Home Missionary Baptist Church with her late husband under the leadership of Pastor Melvin Varnado. The couple later united with Life Church in McComb, under the leadership of Pastors Jon and Debra Heath, where their faith continued to grow and deepen. Shortly after graduating from Eva Gordon Attendance Center High School in the spring of 1969, Pastor Lewis answered her call to Christian ministry, earning an Associate Degree from the Life Christian School of Theology. Her steadfast commitment to theological study and service was later honored with an Honorary Doctorate from the Chicagoland Christian Bible Institute. I Will Give You Pastors After My Own Heart…” In 1992, the late Reverend Dr. Edgar Lewis Jr. was called to serve as pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Magnolia, Mississippi. Faithfully serving alongside her beloved husband, Dr. Yvonne Lewis co-pastored the church for nearly 30 years. Together, they built a ministry firmly rooted in faith, family, and community. Following the passing of Dr. Edgar Lewis Jr. on March 5, 2022, Dr. Yvonne Lewis officially stepped into the role of pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church on July 21, 2025. She continued the work they began together until her passing, faithfully upholding her late husband’s mission: to train and equip men and women to skillfully communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world around them. Follow Me & I Will Make You… Dr. Yvonne Lewis was a proverbial woman with no pretense. She led by serving, never considering herself better than others, and was someone in whom you could confide deeply without fear of judgment. She loved unconditionally and demonstrated God’s love by welcoming the poor and the outcast. She was deeply passionate about her relationship with God, striving to obey all that He commanded. She faithfully followed the teachings of the Bible and loved the Lord with her whole heart, withholding nothing. She believed that tithing and caring for the poor were fundamental expressions of giving her all to God. She was a loving mother to her children and grandchildren, faithfully training them in the way they should go. She cherished her family and spent nearly every Sunday after church fellowshipping with them. She was a loyal friend and found joy in flower gardening, sewing, reading, and watching Westerns. She was truly a gift from God, and she is irreplaceable. Her Dedication to God’s People Dr. Yvonne Lewis dedicated herself as a leader, teacher, intercessor, and counselor. She served as the Director of Training for the South Central Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship of Mississippi, where she passionately worked to spread the message of Jesus’ love and salvation to younger generations. Dr. Lewis also played an integral role in broader community efforts. She served on the South Pike Community Engagement Council, where she contributed to local initiatives, and as a member of the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, helping guide healthcare policies and decisions. She was also a member of Hall’s Heroes, a small organization at South Pike Junior High School formed in honor of the late Traderrick Hall, dedicated to ministry and mentoring young teens. Peace I Leave With You… Pastor Yvonne Lewis is preceded in death by her loving husband, Reverend Edgar Lewis Jr.; her parents, Llewellyn and Ethel Pounds; and her siblings, Charlie Pounds, Donald Pounds, Ali Pounds, J. W. Pounds, William Pounds, Myrtle Pounds, Thelma Pounds and her brother- in- law Tom Lewis. She leaves to cherish her legacy her devoted children: her sons, Michael (Tamekia) Lewis and Jerry (Tasha) Lewis; and her daughters, Jennifer (Frank) Edwards, Cassandra (Eric) Brumfield (all of Magnolia/McComb, MS), and Ramonica (Maurice) Maberry (Madison, MS). Pastor Lewis is also survived by three brothers, Robert Pounds, Lonnie (Zella) Pounds (both of Fort Worth, TX), and Apostle Larry (Shirley) Pounds (Richmond Hill, GA); and two sisters, Ruby (Michael) Zackery (Magnolia), and Sally Pearl Brumfield (Fort Worth, TX). She further leaves six brothers-in-law: Oliver (Earlene) Lewis, Michael (Carolyn) Lewis, Vernell (Marilyn) Lewis, Donald (Debra) Lewis, James Lewis, and Kenneth Lewis (all of McComb, MS); and six sisters-in-law: Emma Jean Pounds( Baton Rouge), Menard Pounds, Sara Martin, Jane Lewis, Joyce Lewis, Jacqueline (Bryan) Harris, Jill Lewis (all of McComb/Magnolia MS), and Dorothy (Charles) Watkins (Summit, MS). Pastor Yvonne Lewis also leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, a dedicated church family, and a special daughter-in-love, Tacy Lewis Tucker. Her life, faith, and dedication to her family and church will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her. Acknowledgements & Special Thanks The family of Dr. Yvonne Lewis would like to express their sincere gratitude for the love, prayers, and support received during this difficult time. On behalf of the family, we extend a special thanks to all members of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support shown to us during our time of bereavement. Pastor Yvonne Lewis was deeply loved and cherished, and her memory will continue to live on in our hearts forever. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the visiting churches and friends who held her dear in their hearts. In addition, a special thanks is extended to Craft Funeral Home for their professional, compassionate, and efficient services. Rev. Lonnie Pounds will officiate the Funeral Service. Please share condolences online at www.craftfuneralhome.org.

Pastor Yvonne Pounds Lewis

November 4, 1950 - January 29, 2026