On Tuesday, June 6, dozens of community members, including friends and family of the late Frankie Everett Lewis, gathered for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to commemorate the completion of the brand-new Frankie E. Lewis Park at 834 Lynmore Avenue.  

Ms. Lewis’ family, including her sons and grandchildren were there to cheer on their mother and grandmother’s accomplishment.  

“Ms. Lewis was a great mom, amazing friend, and a great citizen. She truly loved this community and everyone it. All of us were part of her collective family,” said her son, Antonio Lewis-Ross. “You knew when she was in a room, and you listened when she spoke. When we came together to talk about what she envisioned for this community, it was something just like this.” 

The Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST)-funded park was named for Ms. Lewis for her leadership and contributions to the Macon-Bibb County community for more than 30 years. Stafford Builders & Consultants, Inc. worked on the park for a few years, and it includes a picnic pavilion, track, playground, open lawn, basketball courts, walking track, landscaping, parking, and more.  

“There were many delays to get started, including COVID, but as a community we persevered,” said CEO of Stafford Builders, Walter Stafford. “I’m so glad we are finally here today. I met Ms. Frankie years ago, and I could really see and hear her passion for this community.” 

“I truly believe that Ms. Lewis is staring down on us today with a big grin on her face, very excited about what this and what’s to come,” said Mayor Miller. 

“Having this park named after Ms. Lewis is a tremendous honor, not just to her, but to the community who knew and loved her,” said District 2 Commissioner Paul Bronson. “She was and will continue to be a true inspiration to all. Let’s continue to thrive and do more for this community and live up to what Ms. Lewis wanted to see done here in this area.”  

To make way for the Park, three blighted and dangerous structures at 782, 806, and 818 Lynmore Avenue were demolished. The Park was paid for with $826,000 in SPLOST funds. 

“She would appreciate everyone that’s here and keeping on the fight. Just because we’re cutting the ribbon today, the fight is not over. It continues,” said Lewis-Ross. “She always reminded me that a great community creates conditions in which to fall in love.” 

About Frankie E. Lewis 

Frankie E. Lewis was a Maconite, born to the parents of Mr. Luke and Mrs. Susie Everett. Ms. Lewis retired from the Bibb County School District in June 2016 where she began her tenure in 2006 at Charles H. Bruce Elementary School, serving as the first on-site School Social Worker. She returned to Charles H. Bruce Elementary School working part time as the Family Engagement Facilitator. Prior to joining the Bibb County School District, Ms. Lewis served as a therapist at River Edge Behavioral Health Center and Quality Directions Behavioral Health. Before returning to school and receiving her Bachelor and Master Degrees she worked 14 years as Executive Director and past Administrative Assistant of Macon/Bibb Citizen Advocacy, Inc.  

Ms. Lewis was a widow and the proud parent of three sons, William, George, and Antonio. Her pride doesn’t stop with her children…it extends to her five grandchildren: Brianna, Angel, Cierra, Michon, and Lilly.  

Ms. Lewis was a magna cum laude graduate of Fort Valley State University, which awarded her the Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2002. She graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from Clark Atlanta University in 2004. She was a Certified Anger Management Specialist, credentialed by High Impact Training Institute in Atlanta, GA. She also studied at Abel Screen, Incorporated, Atlanta, GA to administer the Abel Screen for therapeutic purposes.  

Frankie Lewis was a founding member of SMART, Inc. (South Macon Arts Revitalization Technology), an asset based non-profit community organization that focuses on South Macon. She served as secretary of SMART, Inc. Through SMART, Inc. the Young Ladies of SMART Federated Girls Club has been reorganized. Ms. Lewis served as Lead Supervisor. She also served as Secretary of the Middle Georgia Chapter of National Action Network and Secretary for the newly formed Our History Group that has been developed to preserve African American Historical Sites in Macon, GA.  

In recognition of Ms. Lewis’ community work, she was profiled in Standing on their Shoulders, a celebration of African American Women of Achievement. She is also a graduate of Leadership Macon. She was featured in an article that appears in the publication, “The Gift of Hospitality” published by Professor John McKnight, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill, stressing the importance of inclusion and value of all people. Previously Ms. Lewis served in the following capacities: State Youth Director for the Sixth District of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Vice President of District 6 School Social Workers of Georgia, State Youth Supervisor for the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs and Youth Affiliates, Supervisor of the Willis B. Sheftall Federated Boys’ Club, Macon, GA., President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Board of Directors for the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia.