John M. Lewellen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from the 34th district |
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| In office 1999–2004 |
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| Succeeded by | Wilhelmina Epps Lewellen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 16, 1930 Forrest City, Arkansas |
| Died | November 25, 2017 (aged 87) Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Resting place | Pinecrest Memorial Park |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Wilhelmina Epps Lewellen |
| Children | Ivie Lewellen Clay Connie Lewellen Biddle |
John M. Lewellen (born September 16, 1930 – died November 25, 2017) was an American politician. He worked hard to serve the people of Arkansas. He was elected to several important roles. These included the Little Rock City Board of Directors and the Pulaski County Quorum Court. He also served in the Arkansas State Legislature.
From 1999 to 2004, he was a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives. After his term, his wife, Wilhelmina Lewellen, took his place. She served until 2010. John Lewellen is known for being the only Arkansas official to represent his district at the city, county, and state levels.
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Early Life and Education
John Marshall Lewellen was born on September 16, 1930. His hometown was Forrest City, Arkansas. He was one of 13 children born to Cornelius and Jesse Lewellen. As a child, he attended Dansby Elementary School. He also became a Christian at Taylor Chapel. This church was named after his grandfather, Taylor Dansby.
School and Military Service
John graduated from Lincoln High School in Forrest City. After high school, he served in the U.S. Air Force. This was from 1951 to 1955, during the Korean War. He was the first in his family to go to college.
College and Family Life
John attended Arkansas AM&N, which is now called UAPB. There, he met Wilhelmina Epps. They got married on November 25, 1956. Their first daughter, Ivie Rochelle, was born while they were still in college.
After graduating in 1958, John Lewellen earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture. He and his family moved to the Altheimer/Hermitage area. He worked there as a high school teacher and principal. Later, their second daughter, Cornelia Ann, was born. The family then moved to Little Rock. John began a 30-year career in state government. He worked as a probation officer and a rehabilitation counselor. He also served as a contractor officer for the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
Community Involvement
For 54 years, John Lewellen was a respected member of the Little Rock community. He helped his neighborhood in many ways. He bought and fixed up apartments and homes. He even bought a building for senior citizens. He named it ConIvie Gardens, after his two daughters.
Helping the Neighborhood
He also helped start the Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association. This group became one of the strongest in the city. Many people called him "Mr. Lew." He was known as someone who could offer good advice and guidance. He also mentored young people, especially young men. Many spent Saturdays with him. They would do yard work, wash cars, or fix his rental properties. While they worked, he taught them the importance of working hard.
Public Service Career
John Lewellen wanted to do even more for his community. So, he decided to run for public office. He was elected to the Little Rock City Board in 1991. Then, in 1996, he was elected to the Pulaski County Quorum Court.
Serving in the State House
In 1999, he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives. He represented District 34 for six years. During his time in the House, he helped start the Democratic Black Caucus. He also led the Children and Youth subcommittee. He worked to help businesses owned by minority groups and women grow.
He was the main supporter of House Bill 1923. This law helped create the Mosaic Templars of America Center for African-American Culture and Business Enterprise. This law brought in over $5 million. The money was used to restore the Mosaic Templars Culture Center. This museum is part of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. It holds the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. It also has a collection of African American historical items. The Mosaic Templars Museum is part of the Arkansas Black Heritage Tour. It is Arkansas's only state-funded museum about African American history.
Awards and Recognition
John Lewellen received many awards for his excellent service. These awards came from groups like the Arkansas Municipal League and the National Association of Minority Contractors. He also received awards from the Arkansas Police and Bar associations. He finished his time in the House in 2004 due to term limits.
Family Legacy in Politics
John Lewellen saw his wife, Wilhelmina, become a leader. She had served as president of the Beta Pi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She was also president of the local chapter of The Links, Inc. John encouraged Wilhelmina to run for his position when he had to leave office.
Wilhelmina was not sure at first because she had no public office experience. But she agreed to run. She won the election with a huge 84 percent of the votes. She continued John's work and created her own legacy. She held the seat until she also reached her term limits in 2010.
John Lewellen is the only elected official in Arkansas to serve at the city, county, and state levels of government.
Later Life and Passing
John Lewellen was a lifelong member of several important organizations. These included Alpha Phi Alpha, the NAACP, and Sigma Pi Phi fraternity. He also served on many different boards and committees.
He loved being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, animals, and nature. After a long illness, he passed away on November 25, 2017. This day was also his and Wilhelmina's 61st wedding anniversary.
