Annette Lee Lewis was born on June 4th 1937 in Alma Michigan. She was the first born to Owana and Ford Lewis. Owana and Ford had a second child, George, before getting a divorce. Annette was raised by her father and stepmom, Francis. Annette helped take care of her younger siblings George, David, Jonathon, Michael, and Mary. Both of her parents would go on to have subsequent marriages and have more children. Annette's other siblings are Max, Earnie, Earl, Lenie, Joyce, Nancy, Oscar, and Carlyn.
Annette graduated from EMC Academy in 1958. She later enrolled at Andrews University in Berrien Springs Michigan to study Home Economics. In the university library she met fellow student and future husband, Joseph Ibrahim Estephan. On June 4, 1961, her birthday, Annette graduated with an Associates Degree and got married. She remained married to Joseph until he passed away in 2017.
Annette and Joseph Estephan are survived by their children Ibrahim, Jon, Jannette, and Jack. Their daughter Joann passed away in 2015. They are survived by their grandchildren Lauren, Nicole, Spencer, Destiny, River, and Hunter.
Annette lived a rich adventurous life. She traveled extensively and lived in many places. She had homes in Michigan, Oklahoma, California, Puerto Rico, Cypress, and Lebanon. She experienced different cultures, adopted new traditions, struggled with language barriers, and even lived through a civil war. She made many friends and will be missed by people from all over the world.
She worked as a homemaker, teacher, librarian, and in child care. She was meticulous and organized. She worked hard, never complained, and made the best of every situation. Her home was always clean and her children well taken care of.
She enjoyed swimming, camping, nature, and music. She was a Seventh Day Adventist and loved her church. She enjoyed bible study, bible camp, Friday night vespers, Pathfinders, corn roasts on the beach, and other fellowship events.
Annette will be remembered for her kindness and selflessness. She always put others first and wanted everyone else to be happy before she could be happy. She will be remembered for her hospitality. Her and her husband enjoyed hosting diners for friends and family. She will be remembered for her grace. Her voice and actions were always soft, tender, and unassuming. She will be remembered for her faith. She was devout and truly Christ like. She will be remembered by her family and friends for being wonderful, kind, and beautiful.
Annette Lee Estephan, age 83, passed away February 7th 2021. She passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Holland Michigan. She will be missed dearly.