Obituary: Rebecca Jean Gewin Ries

Rebecca Jean Gewin Ries lost her battle with colon cancer at age 59. She leaves behind a legacy of patience, kindness and creativity. She was most proud to be David’s wife and West’s mother.

Her 19 years of marriage, while way too short, was filled with affection, laughter, encouragement, intelligent conversation and just a love of being with each other.

Rebecca was also a loving parent to West, an advocate, a teacher and a friend. Hearing them sing together was like hearing a pair of angels.

Rebecca also adored her preschoolers at The Temple’s Weinberg Early Learning Center. She loved every child as if he or she was her own.

She was also art teacher at the Breman religious school at The Temple. Her creativity was endless. Her husband called her MacGyver. You would never throw anything out before checking first whether Rebecca could make something out of it.

Prior to becoming a teacher, Rebecca had an illustrious radio career. She started that career before she could even drive, at age 15. For 16 years, she hosted “Atlanta’s Love Songs” on B98.5. “Rebecca Stevens” wasn’t just a role she played; it was her, … lover of life.

Always focused on others, she would hate this tribute. Her kindness and huge heart touched so many.

Besides David and West, Rebecca is survived by her brother, Britt Gewin Jr. and her teaching colleagues and students who loved “Miss Rebecca.”