Christine Marshall McLewin
July 1, 1924 ~ December 8, 2020
Born in:
Damascus, VA
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailChristine McLewin, 96, of Asheville, passed into the Lord’s presence on Tuesday, December 8, 2020.
Born in Damascus, VA, her rich Scottish heritage and her steadfast faith in God gave her the determination to leave home at an early age to prepare herself for a life of service. She graduated from the Philadelphia School of the Bible and in 1949 with Raymond, the one and only love of her life, they sailed out of New York by steamship to South Africa where it was their joy to establish churches among Asian Indians for 30 years. On their return to the US, they settled in Asheville where together they pastored the Asheville Bible Church over 15 years and remained as members. Christine’s love for people and her desire to minister to those wherever she found herself, began with her family, extended to her nieces and nephews, cousins, church family and friends, and as a long time Givens Estates resident, to those in the retirement community. She never lost her sense of wonder and her smile brought comfort and hope to all those around her.
Christine is survived by her daughter, Joyce Ann Phillips (James) of Barcelona, Spain; her son, Dr. Peter Marshall McLewin (Margaret) of Norfolk, VA; five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond McLewin, who passed away in 2013.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Dr. Peter McLewin officiating. Private burial will take place at the Western Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that you consider making a contribution in Christine’s memory to Asheville Bible Church, 234 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28801, or to Givens Resident Assistance Ministry, 100 Wesley Dr., Asheville, NC 28803 or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Services
Memorial Service: December 15, 2020 2:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
I treasure so many endearing memories of Mother… my mother-in-law… her curiosity and fascination with life… from wanting to taste an unusual dish I had ordered in a restaurant to being intrigued by my first laptop 25 years or more ago… an avid reader, going through the daily newspaper to find anything about Spain and surprising us with info that we had no knowledge about… her intuitive insight, about people and their motivations, and even politics… always so happy to gift me with a shirt, making sure it was the right size… her bright smile when she would see me pop up alongside Joyce in a Skype call put through by Givens during these recent months. Such a rich life, blessing everyone she came in contact with, and dazzling all of us with her perfectly matched outfits that made her steal the show anywhere she went! Stunning elegance!! Now she has gone on before us and we look forward to that mysterious eternal day in which we also, by God’s grace, take part! Love you both, Mother and Dad!
– Jim Phillips
Jim, you have so perfectly described Christine McLewin. She was a unique amazing woman, the world has lost a very special person. Thanks for your descriptions. Love, Dianne
Rest in Heavenly Peace.
Missing your love and smile. ❤
I love you my LADYchristine.
Hasta siempre
Hamideh
Joyce, Peter, and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Christine’s passing. She was truly a special person. She was from an outstanding family that always loved the Lord. I will always cherish the visits from Uncle Tom, Christine and Raymond, and all of Christine’s siblings. Christine will be missed by all who knew her. She has now moved into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has now been reunited with all of her loved ones that have gone before. My Sincere Sympathy to all of you. Cousin David K. Rash
She was a beautiful lady, inside and out. Thoughts and prayers to her family at this time.
To the family of Mrs. Raymond McLewin:
Just wanted to send you all this short note to let you all know that you all are always in my thoughts & in my PRAYERS every day & especially at this difficult time. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS & KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS LOVING CARE. I have known the family for many years.
LOVE IN CHRIST,
JEAN SHEAROUSE
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,(C)
3 he refreshes my soul.(D)
He guides me(E) along the right paths(F)
for his name’s sake.(G)
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a](H)
I will fear no evil,(I)
for you are with me;(J)
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table(K) before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;(L)
my cup(M) overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love(N) will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever. Psalm 23
Dios os conserve en perfecta paz y Harmonia en Cristo Jesús. Dios consuela a todos los familiares. Dios derrame bendiciones infinitas a todos. Conocimos a la madre de Joyce Philips por su hija en fotos, un encanto y muy coqueta. Joyce estava muy orgullosa de su madre. La hemos querido como un miembro de nuestra iglesia en Pueblo Nuevo, Barcelona. La teníamos siempre presente en nuestras oraciones y más ahora por su familia. Lo maravilloso de estar en el Señor es la certeza de que hay un mañana. Las cosas no se acaban aquí en la tierra. La vida sigue en el cielo. Dios os de fuerza y sabiduría para seguir sirviendo a Dios con excelencia.
Un abrazo grande.
Familia Balasch.
Sending prayers to Joyce and Peter and family
The Dlamini Family (LJ Dlamini, Bongi, Sipho & Linda)
It is with great sadness and joy that we have learned of the promotion of Sister Mclewin. Both Pastor Mclewin and Christine were instrumental in bringing our family to the Lord in the 70s and changing our lives.
They have done excellent work in South Africa and around the world. I’m certain God has already said “well done my children” many many times.
Their legacy lives on, not only in your family, but around the world.
May you and the family be comforted during this time, knowing how much Mom and Dad loved the Lord, and that they are now finally together in His presence.
Love, peace and blessings 🙏.
Much love,
Judy, and on behalf of Shirley, Shirlen, Deena and Caroline, and our families.
It is with sad hearts that we heard of the passing of our much loved Christine McLewin. We pray that her precious soul rests in eternal peace. Our family friendship in South Africa with Christine and Pastor McLewin spans approx. 65 years. We will always treasure and cherish the beautiful memories.
Our heartfelt condolences. We share in your grief and send you our love. May God Bless you at this time.
Vedha, Nithi, Bill (Australia) and the rest of the Muthukrishna Family, Durban. South Africa.
A great example to all of us, Sister Christine McLewin baffled doctors when we were told she was in decline and actively dying – she recovered and enjoyed a further lease of life. Praise God for a faithful disciple of Christ!
Prema Perumal Shiloh Evangelical Church Port Shepstone
Dear Peter, Joyce, Margaret and the entire McLewin family my deepest condolences on the passing away of my Spiritual mother, my friend, my confidant and teacher. Dearest Christine invested in my life and I will forever remember her love and devotion that she so graciously showered upon me. The month of December will always be remembered for the skype calls and special Christmas cards and beautiful letters that were sent to me every year without fail. I will sorely miss her. WELL done thou good and faithful servant.
Safe in the arms of Jesus.
Graduated to higher service. Well done good and faithful servant. Safe in the arms of Jesus. Beautiful memories of mum to treasure.
We appreciate your love with coming to South Africa & sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.We have precious memories of you and Pastor McLewin
Joyce and Peter and families…..your mom was a special woman for all of her life. She will be missed so much. I am so glad that we have had time to get to know her during these later years too. All our love to all of you as you say good bye.
Love, Dianne and Jimmy
Dear Joyce, Pastor Peter and the McLewin family, having met your mother, and father, we know we were in the presence of God’s specially chosen. Their fruit has given mankind a wonderful harvest that will fill more communities with Christ’s love and devotion.
Love,
Jan & Art B.
Your mother/grandmother presented much poise and grace where ever she was. The fruits of her labors has filled many communities with a harvest for Christ. It was an honor to have met Mrs. Christine Marshall McLewin.
Love,
Art & Jan Bartlett
Christine came into my life as a gift from God, I am sure of it. She needed a ride to a family reunion and I was driving right past the exit that day, so I volunteered to take her. She was 91 and I was just divorced. We became friends and I was blessed every time we got to have lunch together and go shopping, mostly at Sophie’s closet. She loved adventures, so we would take rides on the Parkway or find new thrift stores to browse around in. I often took her on her errands and was amazed at how she would spend her money to buy things for other people or to buy fabric to make little stuffed animals for her granddaughter to take on mission trips. She also took copies of Our Daily Bread to leave in rest rooms at Walmart, restaurants, etc. I am very sad that Covid prevented me from seeing her for so many months. I have a sweet memory of the last time I visited, she was sleepy after lunch, so I tucked her in to bed for a nap and can still see her sweet smile as I kissed her forehead, not knowing it would be the last time. I am so glad she is in Heaven with her Lord and her beloved Raymond. I loved her dearly and will miss her, she was the most loving, selfless person I have ever known. Love, sympathy and prayers to Joyce, Jim, Peter, Margaret and the whole family. Love, Nan
To the Family and Friends of Christine McLewin:
We send our condolences. May God comfort you.
Sincerely,
Sara and William Swetcharnik
CONTACT:
telephone: 301.829.0137 – email: sara@swetcharnik.com – website: swetcharnik.com
Sara Morris Swetcharnik & William Swetcharnik
For mail (and open by appointment):
Swetcharnik Home, Art Studio & Wildlife Preserve
7044 Woodville Road
Mt. Airy, Maryland 21771 (USA)
What a gracious lady with a host of family who will miss her and always treasure her memory
We send our condolences to the family and rejoice that Christine is now reunited with her beloved Raymond in Glory. We are thankful for their legacy of service and love for the Lord Jesus Christ, which is known far and wide.
from the Dickinsons of Haifa, Israel
Psalm 116:15