Mary Ann Billingslea Lewis was born August 9, 1919, in Marion, Alabama, the first of seven children born to the late Charlie and Sellie M. Billingslea.
She attended Lincoln Normal School where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. She attended Winston Salem Teachers College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Mary Lewis joined Hopewell Baptist Church in Marion, Alabama at an early age. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio, she joined Cory United Methodist Church. She was a member of the United Methodist Women.
She was married to the late Aubrey Lewis for 51 years. To this union, one daughter was born.
Mary worked as a clerk for the Cleveland Postal Service for 33 years.
Mary Lewis leaves to Cherish her memories, a loving and devoted daughter, Gwendolyn Dubose; a godson, Darin Lewis; two devoted sisters, Jettie Moore and Pearl Kidd of Cleveland, Ohio; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Mary was preceded in death by two sisters, Nannie Mitchell, and Lue Smith; and two brothers, Charles Billingslea and Reese Billingslea.