Obituary of Ruth Fuller Lewter

Mother Ruth Fuller Lewter was born on November 6, 1929 in the city of Atlanta, GA to the parents of Bishop William Edward and Emma Fuller. She grew up in the Atlanta Public School system and the Palmer Finishing School of Sedalia, NC. Mother Lewter furthered her education at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. In 1953, Mother Lewter married Andy C. Lewter, Sr., producing three children, Andy C. Lewter, Jr., Rosalyn Ruth Lewter and Tonya Marie Lewter. From the beginning, Mother Lewter proved to be a strong and steadfast support mechanism for her husband's ministry. In 1959, she moved from Lawrence, NY with her family, to Amityville, NY as the first family of the Hollywood Baptist Church. For almost 50 years she served the congregation in a number of capacities including musician, choir director, Sisterhood President, Finance Committee Chairman and Chairperson of several church-wide events. In addition to ministry, Mother Lewter was a pioneering figure in the area of entreprenuership and business. In 1967, she launched the Lewter-Scott Travel Agency with her sister, Betty Scott Taylor. She was successful in leading a number of first time travelers to destinations around the globe. In addition to travel, Mother Lewter also provided specialty garments to first ladies around the country with her Exquisitely Feminine dress business. Mother Lewter however was more than a "churchlady" and businesswoman. Over the years she counseled a number of individuals and couples on how to improve their lives with themselves and each other. She always made herself available and served as a model and mentor to literally hundreds of Christian women around the country. Mother Lewter was often heard saying "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain. Mother Lewter leaves to mourn her husband, Dr. Andy C. "Daddy" Lewter, her son, Bishop Andy C. Lewter, her daughter Rosalyn (Michael) Aaron and Tonya Marie Lewter. In addition there are a number of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, God-children and friends who will miss her dearly.