Thank you, Gevion, for legacy you left

On Wednesday afternoon, The Living Word Church was filled to capacity (and then some) as family and friends, teachers, classmates, and others gathered to say their final goodbyes to Gevion Lewis.

Gevion would have been amazed at how he touched so many lives.

His laughter, his smile especially, uplifted his teachers and coaches. His ability to play baseball, basketball and track, which could have made his friends (and sister) envious of his talents, was the gift that everyone spoke about. He was always eager to help someone else learn how to play better, and he never imagined he was as good as he was.

His grandmother, a minister, was so proud that Gevion knew the Lord and was overwhelmed at the impact Gevion's life had on so many, especially the youth his own age who came to say, "Thank you Gevion" and "I'll miss you."

I was honored to say the service over Gevion and to offer what comfort I could through Scriptures.

As I looked out over the sanctuary, and into the foyer, and saw the faces of people, young and old, I saw great love and admiration for Gevion. I saw his momma and both his stepdad and his father, proud of Gevion's life, of his accomplishments, and for living his short life to the fullest.

The death of a child is always the hardest. We don't understand and we ask, "Why?"

If a child can influence so many lives at 13, then should not each of us adults take on the mantle of influencing the lives around us as well?

Thank you, Gevion, for showing the love of Jesus in everything that you did. Thank you for demonstrating what integrity looks like. For your life, we are grateful.

I hope we all can live up to the legacy you have left behind.

Bonetta Hutson is a pastor at The Living Word Church and friend of Gevion Lewis, who died after an accident at the Hillcrest Park pond on July 4. Contact her at: [email protected]