Lela Mae Louis (Lewis)

The story of Lela Mae Louis (Lewis) The temperature was in the 40's in Chicago on Tuesday, November 12, 1935. Jonas and Emma Smith were eagerly anticipating the home birth of their eighth of what would later become twelve children. Lela Mae Smith "MeeMo" as she was fondly known by family and friends alike. Lela was raised on the south side of Chicago. In her earlier years she attended Oakland Elementary School, later she graduated from Wendell Phillips High School. At the age of 16, Lela already knew the value of hard work. She landed a job at Illinois Bell Telephone Company. Later Lela changed career paths and embarked on a future in the Medical Industry ultimately becoming a well liked and respected administrator in the field of Psychiatry. She dedicated 40 plus years of her life until her retirement. During her early years Lela was introduced to Jehovah's Witnesses at the tender age of 13. She began a life long love and appreciation for Jehovah, his son Jesus Christ and the brotherhood itself. So much so that at the age of 14, Lela symbolized her dedication through water baptism at the Regional Convention in New York City. Lela lived up to her dedication until she fell asleep in death at her home Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 4:02 a.m. surrounded by her family. In 1953, Lela was formally introduced to the love of her life, John W. Louis (Lewis) Sr. and on January 1, 1954, they were united in marriage. They remained united until John's untimely death December 9, 1992. To this union came what Lela referred to as her 5 blessings. Lela was a genuine person who was truly loved and admired. Her mild demeanor and humble attitude appealed to all she met. Lela never felt sorry for herself or took the attitude why me...instead she would say why not me. Lela was a pillar of strength and dignity. Her faith remained unwavering during her many lengthy illnesses and surgeries. She always said Jehovah was comforting her and that he had her in his protective care as well as in his unfailing memory. Lela was the matriarch of the Lewis family. She will be sorely missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know her but none will miss her presence more than...her 5 children and their loving and supportive spouses, John W. Lewis Jr. (Jeanette), Lennea Tyler, LaTanya Lewis, Lauren Lewis and Lisa Lewis Jones (Jeffery); her eight grandchildren whom she shared a special and unique bond with each one Kenya, Ronnie, ShaCola (Roger), Krystal, John III, Raequel, Whitney and RrMonnie; 25 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Lillian McCafferty, Geneva Simms, Alice (Charlie) Harper and LeDrew (Jane) Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Lela was preceded in death by her parents, Jonas and Emma and seven of her siblings, Grover, Harry, Jonas Jr., Calvin, Arnold, Cora and Cynthia.

Tributes

Lela Mae Louis (Lewis)

November 12, 1935 - January 17, 2015