Obituary of Tyrone Lewis

Tyrone Coleman Lewis was born on March 15, 1947 to the late Clay Lewis and Mary Ethel Coles. He transitioned from this life on December 9, 2024 at the Sinai Hospital - BridgingLife Hospice Care Unit. He received his education through the Baltimore County Public School System, and graduated from Overlea High School. At the age of 21-years-old, he was drafted into the United States Army and served our country during the Vietnam War. He courageously earned various medals for his service, including: National Defense Service Medal (Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars); Vietnam Campaign Medal (Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal); and Army Commendation Medal (Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster). Tyrone was a dedicated employee of the Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point for over 35 years. During his tenure at Bethlehem Steel, he became one of the first African American United Steelworkers Union Representatives who advocated for a safe, just and equitable workplace. He ultimately represented the steelworkers as the Chairman of the Grievance Committee. Not only did he advocate for his fellow steelworkers, he also spent a considerable amount of time cooking delicious meals for them. A popular food item that he prepared was his tasty burgers with a special touch of his secret ingredients. He enjoyed playing softball and was a member of several softball teams. In the mid-1970's, he was recognized in local sports newspaper articles for his fast pitching skills and exceptional batting average of .400 while he was a member of the Danny's Softball Team. Tyrone was an avid sports game lover and reveled in watching televised baseball, football, and basketball games, and boxing matches. He had a special interest in action, horror and Japanese anime movies. He was very passionate about cooking. He enjoyed watching others eat the meals that he prepared with love, especially during the family gatherings that he was delighted to host. Tyrone pursued culinary classes at the Stratford University in Baltimore, Maryland to hone his skills. He envisioned opening and managing a family restaurant named after his youngest daughter, Shenitta. Nitta's Café would have specialized in southern cuisines and a variety of other dishes. Tyrone was known for his good sense of humor and his contagious laughter amongst his friends. He loved playing card games, and was a great spades player. He was very competitive and vocal during card games as he challenged his opponents. His voice would light up the room with excitement. Tyrone enjoyed his daily readings of the Bible before he fell ill. During his illness, he always expressed that he longed to go to church even if he had to go in a wheelchair. Unfortunately, he was not able to do so, but he acknowledged his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ before his passing. Tyrone leaves to mourn and cherish his memory: his wife of 15 years, Valerie Taylor; three loving daughters from his union with his former wife of 36 years, Peggie J. Glenn: Alicia Renée Lewis-Hendrix, Teresa Lewis, and Shenitta Lewis (Emily); four daughters that he gained through marriage, Nakia Gittings, Julia Gittings, Dominic Taylor, and Shaquanda Taylor; two sisters, Vernell Murray and Sheila Gold (David); five sister-in-laws, Rena Dance, Adria Miller, Sharon Wheelers, Janet Wiggins and Jenny Wood; one brother, Reginald Morris; three brother-in-laws, Alan Wiggins, Larry Wiggins and Milford Wood; five grandsons, Orlando Gilyard, Monté Hendrix, Kevin Mark-Lewis, Dontae Fauntleroy and Kavon Parker (Ayona), and nine other grandchildren that he gained through marriage; five great-grandchildren, Navaeh Gilyard, Khalil Gilyard, Weston Hendrix, Iman Parker and Kai Parker, and ten other great-grandchildren that he gained through marriage; one great great granddaughter, K'aior Elcock; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. On Thursday, January 2, 2025, a homegoing celebration for Mr. Tyrone Lewis will be held at the Vaughn Greene Chapel at Randallstown, 8728 Liberty Road, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with services to follow. Immediately following the homegoing service, the interment service will be held at the Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Road, where Mr. Lewis will receive honors for his faithful service in the United States Army.