Lavennia “June ” Rainwaters Lewis

Lavennia June Rainwaters Lewis, lovingly known as “June,” passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on October 18, 1941, in Big Sandy, Tennessee, she was the cherished daughter of Orville and Pauline Rainwaters.

A graduate of Big Sandy High School, June went on to work at Baby B Shoes in Paris, Tennessee. It was there she met a co-worker, Sue, who said, “I have a brother you should meet,” and June replied, “Send him down.” That night, L.G. drove to her parents’ home in Big Sandy, Tennessee. They went on their very first date at a local dairy bar. June, being vegetarian (despite not eating burgers), ordered three orders of French fries. From that moment on, L.G. knew she was “the one.”

They were married on November 24, 1969, at New Haven Church of Christ and built a loving home together in Wildersville, Tennessee. L.G. came from a family with thirteen siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. June, being an only child, was thrilled and loved it. Their prayers for a family were answered with the birth of their first child, a son, Leslie Gregory “Greg” Lewis, in June 1971, followed by the arrival of twin daughters in August 1972. Shocked, they asked for name suggestions and Carla June and Darla Jean—it was. Their home was filled with love, faith, and joy—even in their modest two-bedroom house that they later expanded to care for June’s mother. Along with raising a family, L.G. was an avid farmer. He and June raised acres of watermelons and cantaloupes along with a vegetable garden. They would both work long, hot days, and the fruits of their labor they would load truckloads of to sell around to grocery stores. But June best loved setting up at the Lexington Peddler’s Stand on South Main with other farmers. It was a family affair for many years.

When her twins started school at Beaver Elementary in 1977, June joined the cafeteria staff and remained a beloved employee for over 30 years. She was best known for her warm heart, affectionate smile that lit up a room—and we can’t forget her famous cinnamon rolls and her chocolate oatmeal cookies.

In 1987, June suddenly became a widow at age 46 and bravely raised her three teenage children with unwavering strength, love, and devotion. To support her family, she worked multiple jobs in the summer months selling produce at the Peddler’s Stand in Lexington. During the winter months, she worked at the Walmart snack bar and waitressed at Western Sizzlin occasionally. She was always joyful, always smiling, and always eager to connect with people. After losing her beloved L.G., the next day her children overheard a phone conversation where she simply replied, “We are going to be OK.” She was right. With her unwavering strength, a prayerful life, and hard work ethic with a positive attitude—we were! It is something we kids feel like we inherited from both our parents.

June was a faithful lifelong member of Expressway Church of Christ. Even when physical limitations prevented her from attending, her heart remained steadfast in faith. June was a Christian woman, devoted mother and grandmother. Her children were her pride and joy; her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. She adored her grandson, Lelan Lewis; her granddaughter, Selena Williams; and her grandson, Dakota Williams. To her, they were perfectly happy additions with more love to give. June’s favorite place was her kitchen, where she lovingly prepared homecooked meals after church for Sunday lunch and at least one night throughout the week for us all to be together with our families. Her cozy home overflowed with laughter, warmth, and love.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Pauline Rainwaters; her beloved husband, L.G. Lewis; and her precious daughter, Carla Lewis Mitchell. She is survived by her son, Greg Lewis (Dickson County); her daughter, Darla (Ernie) Williams of Wildersville, TN; her grandchildren: Lelan Lewis of Franklin, TN, Selena Williams of Cookeville, TN, and Dakota Williams of Wildersville, TN; her son-in-law, Jesse Mitchell of Wildersville, TN; her sisters-in-law: Virginia Maness and Peggy Lewis of Wildersville, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family, and dear friends. June will be laid to rest at Lewis Cemetery beside her beloved husband, L.G., and daughter, Carla.

Her legacy is one of faith, family, resilience, and love. She touched countless lives with her kindness and strength and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Her visitation will be held at Stanfill Funeral Home & Cremation Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, from 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Her visitation will recommence Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. with her service to follow at 3 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Lewis Cemetery.