Kinston- Jerry Lewis, 78, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2022. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 12, 2022, from 5pm to 7pm at Edwards Funeral Home.

Jerry and his sister, Jeanette, grew up in Kinston. Many of his friends were older boys, and Jerry would tell the story about how his friends “taught” him how to swim by throwing him into a creek and leaving him to sink or swim. He always enjoyed cooking and entertaining guests. His fish stews, barbequed pigs and chicken are legendary. Cars were another passion of his. Jerry loved working on them and spent several years racing at the drag strip. He was a big fan of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Jerry was always hardworking, probably because his parents taught him good work ethics. Jerry worked with his father in the plumbing industry. Later, even though he had a full-time job, Jerry also assisted his parents at their family’s store. Jerry was probably best known as the “Bread Man,” since he worked many years and retired Merita Bread Company.

He was married three time and each marriage gave him a special gift. His first was his daughter Annette. He raised her as a single parent in the ‘60s, showing her nothing but unconditional love. His second marriage gave him a son, Jay. Jerry would tell stories about he had Jay on roller skates before he could walk, and about how he showed him “how to eat without using his hands.” Jerry met his third wife, Marjorie, at the local skating rink enjoying one of their favorite things. She was the love of his life. He was doubly blessed because this marriage came with a daughter, Renee. He taught her to drive a manual on the column 1963 Chevy truck and they laughed often about those experiences.

Jerry was a proud grandfather of his five grandchildren. His oldest grandson, Ethan, just completed his first year at The Citadel in South Carolina. Jaymison, his only granddaughter, is finishing her senior year in high school. His grandsons, Brody (junior), Thomas (sophomore) and Caleb (freshman) are also in high school. He loved all of his grandchildren, but Brody had a special bond with his granddaddy. They were best buds from the beginning and have remained close through the years. Brody’s birthday is the day before Jerry’s birthday and Jerry would always joke that Brody was a day older than granddaddy.

The last few years of Jerry’s life was a struggle with his health, but he was aware that he had the love and support of his devoted wife, Marjorie. We will all miss him terribly but feel certain if we could ask him today how he’s doing, he would say, “If I was any better, I couldn’t stand it!” Rest Easy, Jerry.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Marjorie L. Lewis; daughters, Annette Lewis Morano, husband Mark, Renee Byrd Mitchell, husband Steve; son, Jay Lewis, wife Nikki; grandchildren, Ethan, Brody, Jaymison, Thomas, and Caleb. In addition to his parents, Osborne and Mary Alma Lewis, he is preceded in death by his sister, Jeanette Lewis Herring.

Memorial donations may be made to Mary’s Kitchen, 110 N Independence St, Kinston, NC 28501, Westminster UMC, 1001 Westminster Ln, Kinston, NC 28501, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.