Henry Van Dyke Lewis

Henry Van Dyke Lewis of Nanjemoy, MD quietly departed this earth for eternal life August 10, 2026, at University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, MD at the age of 92. Van Dyke as he was affectionately known was born along with his twin Harold Vernon Lewis on March 22, 1934, to the late Dorothy and James Alfred Lewis in Accokeek, MD. He was the fifth of nine children.

Van Dyke was educated in the Charles County public schools and DC public schools. At 15 years old he and Vernon worked construction along with their father. He also worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, MD during the Korean war. After the war was over, Van Dyke went into the U.S. National Capital Park service as a plumber. When he retired from the park service in 1989 after 38 years, he had been upgraded to master plumber.

Van Dyke was baptized at Christ Episcopal Church in Accokeek, MD. He attended Christ Episcopal Church until 1973. At that time, he joined Mt. Hope Baptist Church in Nanjemoy, MD. Van Dyke was a trustee, sang in the Men’s Choir, worked tirelessly in the kitchen, transported members to and from services and special events, visited the sick and shut-in, dug graves and much more. Mt. Hope was truly his blood. He was a committed soldier in the Army of the Lord for his family, friends, church, and community. If the doors of the church were open, Van Dyke was there. He was an active member of the church until his health began to decline.

Van Dyke met the love of his life, the late Loretta Jackson, whom he married on April 6, 1963, and built their home in 1965. Together they had a daughter, Cynthia. Van Dyke was happy with his Cindy and her husband Joe. They gave him three generations of grandchildren whom he loved dearly.After his wife went on to eternal life, Van Dyke met and had a very special relationship with the late Odessa Stevens. During this relationship he gained two bonus daughters, Vilicia McKelvin, and Glenda Green.

After his wife went on to eternal life, he met a very special friend, Susan Cole. Susan took care of Van Dyke from the time his health started to decline until the last time he went to the hospital. Susan was there for him until the very end.

Van Dyke enjoyed going to bingo, going to Walmart, watching The Price is Right and visiting family and friends. He also made sure to call his sister and Vilicia every night before bed. If he didn’t remember he had called, he would call and say, “Have I talked to you today”.

His buddy Mickey would call him every day to see how he was doing. No matter where he was or what he was doing, he was going to answer his phone because he knew it would be Mickey. When answering, he would always say, “We made it another day brother, taking it one day at a time”. He will be missed by many.

Van Dyke was preceded in death by his wife Loretta Lewis, grandson Troy Cobey, Parents: Dorothy and James Lewis, Siblings: James W. Lewis, Blanche Ianthia Campbell, Harold Vernon Lewis, Estelle Holmes, Baby Alfred Lewis, Joseph Lewis, and John Lewis, and Goddaughter: Bennie Young.He leaves to cherish his memories: His daughter, Cynthia Cobey (Joe), bonus daughters Vilicia McKelvin and Glenda Green; Grandson: Joey Cobey (Jewel), and Bonus grandson: Diante McKelvin; Great-Grandchildren: Katrac, Jakeya, Ladaja, Javon, and Jaheim; Great-Great-Grandchildren: Nasir,Empress, Amoura, and Jaylani, Sister: Mary Ann Young; Special nieces: Marquita Phillips, and Shadonna Lewis. A loyal cousin: Gerald Datcher, Best friend: James “Mickey” Thomas, and many other family, friends, and acquaintances.

Friends may visit with the family Friday, August 21, 2026 from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am at Mount Hope Baptist Church 8705 Gilroy Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662. Interment immediately to follow at Mount Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Nanjemoy, MD.