Alva Seletha Lewis

With heavy hearts, G. L. Brightharp & Sons announces the transition of Ms. Alva S. Lewis who entered into rest June 5, 2026.

Ms. Lewis, a native of Edgefield County, was a graduate of Edgefield County Colored School. She continued her education at South Carolina State College, earning her Bachelors, Masters and Educational Specialist Degrees. She taught school in Aiken and Edgefield Counties, having retired as longtime principal of Douglas Elementary School. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where she served in man capacities. She was a dedicated member of the Order of Eastern Star and many other organizations.

Survivors include cousins, Thomas (Janice) Landrum, Athena (Danny) Jennings, Zachary (Courtney) Jennings, Thomas Jennings, Martha Rearden, Sara Rearden Haynes; a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Oscar W. Brown officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be held from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. The family will receive guests from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday.

In a resolution presented by the SC State Legislature upon her retirement, the following statement was written:

Ms. Alva Lewis personifies the very best to which an educator may aspire by living by her educational philosophy:

"Every child can learn but must be challenged to reach his/her potential. As an educator my life-long goal is to see all my students succeed in the world of adulthood."

Professional Care and Services have been entrusted to G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-Edgefield.