Leona J. Lewis died on June 4, 2008 at the age of 99 1/2. Born on January 23, 1909, in Milton, Florida, to Danish parents, Jens Morten Jensen aka. John Martin Jhonson and wife, Amelia Straagaard, Leona Mae Johnson (Jensen) Lewis spent her childhood years in Milton, Florida. She attended grade school and a business college in Milton and in 1930 she married Luther Darius (L. D. "Sunshine" Lewis). They began their food service career together as proprietors of a hot dog stand and then opened the Overpass Café in Milton. They later moved to Marianna, Florida and opened their first grocery store. Relocating to Panama City in 1944, Leona and L. D. opened a Jitney Jungle store in downtown Panama City. Their business grew into a chain of 350 supermarkets and convenience stores in five states, known as Sunshine Supermarkets and Jr. Food Stores.

Leona was a member of the Ruth Sunday School Class at the First Baptist Church of Panama City. She was also active in the Woman's Club, Garden Club, and Kiwaiians.

She had four brothers and two sisters that preceded her in death. They were: Anna Marguerite Jhonson Rollo, Guy Martin Jhonson, Eugene Victor Johnson, Ralph Warren Jhonson, Ausborne Caro Jhonson, and Dorothy Nell Jhonson Everitt.

She was also preceded in death by her husband (1981) after 50 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter, Lana Jane Lewis~Brent and son~in~law Paul Brent, daughter Donna Sue Lewis, and son, Luther D. Lewis, Jr. Her grandchildren are Jensen Lewis Brent, Cincinnati, Ohio, Anders Paul Brent, Melanie Mae Raines Mathis (Tommy), Jeremy Lewis Raines, all of Panama City and Chesley Ann Lewis, Gainesville, Florida.
Her great grandson is Luke Decatur Mathis. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, June 7, 2008, with family members in attendance. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date as her many friends will be included. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the L. D. Lewis First Baptist Child Care Center, a facility built to honor the memory of her husband. In addition, other contributions can be made to Emerald Coast Hospice or to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to express special appreciation to the staff and to her friends and caregivers at Mathison Retirement Center and Emerald Coast Hospice.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to family members c/o Wilson Funeral Home at www.wilsonfuneralhome.net.