Janine Lewis

Janine “JiJi” Lewis, 79, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 13, after a life well-lived. She went to sleep holding the hand of her beloved husband, Jack, and woke up in the arms of her beloved Savior Jesus.

Janine was born Apr. 28, 1946, to Leora and J.Z. Spain, in a house J.Z. built with his own two hands in Decatur, TX. The youngest of two children, she grew up in constant cahoots with and awe of her older sibling, Linda—her closest, wisest confidante, sometimes annoying nemesis, and always dearest sister of her heart.

During her teen years, Janine and her parents lost Linda to Hodgkin lymphoma. Their heartbreaking journey with cancer forever altered their family and forged in Janine a determination to live her life in a way that would make Linda proud. She comforted and cared for her parents enough for two daughters, drawing on a deep well of strength and compassion that set the example for all those around her.

After graduating from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Education and a minor in music, she began her career as a 1st grade teacher. Janine’s passion for teaching and gentleness of spirit made her a favorite with every child.

She met the love of her life at her cousin’s wedding in 1968. As Maid of Honor, Janine walked down the aisle with the groom’s brother and Best Man, Jack Shelby Lewis, Jr. Engaged to another man at the time, she dismissed Jack’s obvious flirtation, but the seeds of a great romance had taken root.

Married in 1970, Janine and Jack began a lifetime of exemplary partnership in Arlington, TX, navigating every success, challenge, joy, and heartbreak together. Over the years, they raised a family and grew a thriving business through Mayfield Lumber Co. They golfed, skied, danced, and travelled the world together. They made friends everywhere and relished hosting dinner parties, Supper Club, and “Sunday” Dallas Cowboy games. They held, heated “boys vs girls” domino tournaments and midnight dance-offs to oldies blasting on their jukebox. They reveled in sunset cruises on Lake Sam Rayburn and cocktail hour on the beach in Florida—whether with friends, their kids, or just each other. Most importantly, Janine and Jack never stopped dating.

Together, they also raised a cherished family, building a deep relationship with Shelly, Jack’s daughter from his first marriage, and raising two additional children, Lance and Amber. Janine instilled in her children the importance of turning to God in all things, of being kind, of believing in themselves. She celebrated every big and small accomplishment, never missing a game, performance, or school ceremony. She taught them manners and how to act with dignity and grace, and her motherly advice always hit the mark. Above all, she took great pride in the lives they built for themselves.

JiJi equally adored her grandchildren—and grand dogs—arms always open for a hug, ears tuned to every hilarious story, and heart eager to celebrate even the most mundane details of their lives.

Her tender heart also beat for the suffering of others. She shared in the pain of her friends, family, even total strangers, and always lifted them up in prayer, shining the bright light of her love and faith on them and their troubles. A devout follower of Christ, Janine supported her church community at St. Barnabus United Methodist Church with her time, talents, and resources. She devoted herself to studying the Bible, and even in her later years, with her memory declining, she never forgot to do her lessons.

And she never forgot how to sing. Anyone hearing Janine’s voice fell in love. She stunned judges in her high school UIL competitions, enraptured music professors in college, and was asked to solo at every girlfriend’s wedding. She also sang and danced in the “Something Special” volunteer show choir, giving Broadway-worthy performances to audiences in nursing homes across Arlington.

She took the greatest joy in using her voice to glorify God, spending some of her most meaningful hours singing with the church choir at St. Barnabus. Janine rarely missed a Sunday and loved nothing more than seeing her entire family seated in the pews from her vantage point in the choir loft.

Naturally beautiful, always dressed to the nines, Janine was an elegant lady under every circumstance. She couldn’t wait to make a new friend and had a kind word for every person she encountered. Her warmth and light live on in every life she ever touched.

Janine is preceded in death by her parents, Leora and J.Z. Spain, and her sister, Linda Spain. She is survived by her beloved husband and longtime champion, Jack Lewis, her loving children, Shelly and Blake Stanfield, Lance and Jodie Lewis, and Amber and Edwin Tabora. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Heath and Jes Stanfield, Jack and Alexis Lewis, and Jackson and Charles Tabora.

In addition, heartfelt thanks to her physical therapist, David Markivich, and her daily helper, Tracy Davidson, who both lovingly cared for her every week of her final years.

In lieu of flowers, the Lewis family kindly asks for support to St. Barnabas United Methodist Church’s scholarship fund for graduating high school students and for continuing college students. Donations may be made at SBUMC.Org/Give (select “scholarship donations”) or by calling the church office at 817-483-1667.

A service will be held Thursday, May 22, at 2:30 pm at St. Barnabus United Methodist Church, 5011 W Pleasant Ridge Rd, Arlington, TX 76016, with reception following.