John Lewis Memorial — Honoring a Life Well Lived
February 21, 1940 – July 17, 2020 | Age 80 | Civil Rights Leader and US Congressman
One of the 'Big Six' leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, John Lewis was beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge during Bloody Sunday in 1965 and spent 33 years as a US Congressman from Georgia.
Honor Your Own Loved One
Create a permanent digital memorial page — upload photos, videos, and stories that last forever. Add a QR memorial plaque to their headstone so anyone who visits can scan and remember them.
Create a Memorial →Life and Legacy of John Lewis
John Lewis called on Americans to make 'good trouble, necessary trouble' throughout his life. His final op-ed, published in the New York Times on the day of his funeral, called on a new generation to stand up for voting rights. The Voting Rights Advancement Act was renamed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in his honor.
Major Achievements and Honors
- US Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district (1987–2020)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011)
- National Book Award for March graphic novel trilogy
- Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
- One of the original Freedom Riders (1961)
- Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (1963–1966)
- Spoke at the March on Washington (1963) at age 23
Born: February 21, 1940 | Died: July 17, 2020
John Lewis was born on February 21, 1940 and passed away on July 17, 2020 at the age of 80. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer. John Lewis was a American civil rights leader and us congressman whose work left an indelible mark on the world.
Remembering John Lewis
Memorials for John Lewis have taken many forms around the world. Fans gather each year on the anniversary of their passing to share memories, play music, view tributes, and celebrate the life that was lived. Public tributes, charity initiatives, and artistic tributes continue to spread their message far beyond their lifetime.
If John Lewis inspired you, consider creating a similar lasting tribute for someone important in your own life. A digital memorial page preserves photos, videos, and stories permanently — and a QR memorial plaque connects the physical headstone to that living digital archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did John Lewis die?
John Lewis died on July 17, 2020 at the age of 80. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
What was John Lewis known for?
One of the 'Big Six' leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, John Lewis was beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge during Bloody Sunday in 1965 and spent 33 years as a US Congressman from Georgia.
What is John Lewis’s legacy?
John Lewis called on Americans to make 'good trouble, necessary trouble' throughout his life. His final op-ed, published in the New York Times on the day of his funeral, called on a new generation to stand up for voting rights. The Voting Rights Advancement Act was renamed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in his honor.
How can I create a memorial page for my loved one?
You can create a free permanent digital memorial at Scan2Remember. Upload unlimited photos, videos, and life stories. For a physical memorial, a QR memorial plaque ($49.90 with free lifetime hosting) attaches to any headstone and lets cemetery visitors scan a QR code to view the full memorial page from their smartphone.
This memorial tribute was created by Scan2Remember to honor the life and legacy of John Lewis. We believe every life deserves to be remembered. If you’d like to create a lasting memorial for someone you love, visit our digital memorial page builder or learn about our QR memorial plaques.