By John Howell Sr.
Former Como Mayor Azria “Bobby” Lewers, 70, died at his home Wednesday night.

Lewers served two terms as alderman in Como before becoming the first African-American to be elected to the mayor’s post.

He is the second long-serving public official to die in Panola County on Wednesday. Former Circuit Clerk Joe Reid died early that morning.

Lewers was a veteran of U. S. Marine service during the Vietnam War, a deacon at Cistern Hill Baptist Church, a 32nd Degree Master Mason and a Shriner.

The former Como mayor is survived by his wife, Ester; his father, Elbert Lewers; his sister, Jeanie Lewers, all of Como, and his son, Derrick Lewers of Nashville.

Services will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. at Felix Cauthen Funeral Home