Hyson Webster Lewis

Hyson Webster Lewis ("Grams")

Hyson Webster Lewis, lovingly known to many as “Grams,” went to be with the Lord on October 13, 2025, at the age of 85. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family and the deep faith that carried her throughout her life.

Born on January 24, 1940, in Free Union, North Carolina, Hyson was one of several siblings in a hardworking family. She was raised in Free Union, where she spent her early years helping in the fields and later working in the spin mill. Her roots were humble, but her heart and spirit were rich beyond measure.

Fate led her to a wedding in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she met her future husband, the late James Clyde Lewis(who she called Jim). Their love story began that day and led them to a life of shared purpose and faith. Hyson stood faithfully by James’ side as he pursued his calling — opening student centers and bookstores, and eventually earning his degree from Southeastern Seminary in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Together, they lived a life of ministry, dedication, and service to others. Jim and Hyson so enjoyed their time together at Laurens First Baptist Church where they always sat on the second row. There was never a question if they were going to church it was when. They were regular members and attended Sunday morning , Sunday night , Wednesday night and anything and everything in between. Together they served the Lions Club.

After his passing in 1992, Hyson moved in with her daughter Cathy, son-in-law Gary, and granddaughter Heather. She was an integral part of their home and lives, always present, always included for eighteen beautiful years. During this time, she worked at St. Francis Women’s hospital in the patient registration department where she developed many friendships and wonderful impressions on those she helped.

In 2017 she moved into her own apartment and found great joy in her community and independence.

A devoted follower of Christ, Hyson loved Jesus with all her heart. Her faith was the foundation of her life and helped her overcome the tragic deaths of three of her siblings, youngest son and husband. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Mauldin for twenty-four years, where she was deeply involved in the church family she loved so dearly.

She enjoyed simple pleasures — playing Rummikub (her favorite game), black decaf coffee, sharing stories, laughing with friends and family, reading through her entire Bible each year, and never missing a chance to ask someone their birthday. She loved receiving cards on Christmas for the upcoming year and was known for sending thoughtful birthday cards to everyone she met — at times the only card some people received. That was just who she was: thoughtful, kind, and full of love for others.

Hyson will always be remembered for her strength, kindness, and unwavering faith. She was strong-willed — the kind of woman who faced every challenge with quiet determination. Even when things were hard, her go-to phrase was always: "I'm fine."

It wasn’t just something she said — it was a reflection of her resilience and her desire to be a source of strength for others. Her presence was comforting, her laughter contagious, and her heart always open to those in need.

Her legacy is one of deep faith, warm laughter, endless compassion, and a life well-lived. She will be missed dearly — but her memory and example will live on in the lives of all she touched.

Hyson was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband James Clyde Lewis, her son John Wesley Lewis, and three of her siblings Lloyd Webster, Floyd Webster, and Ann Webster.

She is survived by her daughter Cathy Mudre and son-in-law Gary Mudre; her son James David Lewis; her siblings G.C. Webster and Johnny Webster; her sister-in-law Darlene; and her grandchildren Camala Bushong, Brittany Hendrickson, Heather Currin, Jenna Johansen, Christian Lewis, Jack Lewis, Hanna Lewis, Lauren Lewis, and Amelia Lewis. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Charlie, Noah, Ellie, Teagan, Zoie, Phoenix, and Blakely.

She leaves behind many who loved her dearly, including her special friends Aunt Caroline, Aunt Francis, Karen and Will Manley, Jim and Martha, Ann Strom, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and neighbors who were touched by her kindness and generosity.

A special thanks to the caring staff at Holly Tree Family Practice, as well as Kristy Carruthers from Interventional Radiology at St. Francis.

A celebration of Hyson’s life will be held on October 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Mauldin at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Marfan Foundation, a reflection of Hyson’s giving spirit.