Katherine J. Lewis' Obituary
Katherine Jeanette Lewis was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana on November 14, 1929, to Emma Demery and Clayveal Belton. In 1950, she graduated from Natchitoches Parish Training School and began working at her family’s cafe. During this time, she was introduced to a young man named Otis Lewis, who would soon be a soldier in the U.S Army.
On July 15 of 1951, they were married. Katherine traveled with Otis whenever she could. They went to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, New Orleans, Louisiana; Okinawa, Japan and Fort Ord (California) before eventually settling in Tacoma, Washington. During their marriage, they were blessed with four children: Larry, Veronica, Vanessa and Lionel. Their marriage was unfortunately cut short in February of 1967 when Katherine’s husband of only 16 years was killed as a result of hostile action during the Vietnam War.
At the time of her husband’s death Katherine was left with the responsibility of raising four children, ages 14, 7, 4 and 2. She faced the difficult decision to either return to Louisiana to raise her family or remain in the Northwest. In her heart, she believed her children would have better educational, social and economic opportunities in Tacoma, so she continued to reside in Tacoma, Washington until her passing.
While the children were in school, she attended and received her Teacher’s Aid certificate from Clover Park Technical College and her Nurse’s Aide certificate from Tacoma Community College.
In 1972, she joined Allen AME Church, where she faithfully served in many roles over the years, including as a member of the Senior Usher Board. She was also actively involved with the Women’s Missionary Society and the Pacific Northwest Missionary Society. Beyond the church, she generously volunteered at local schools and supported the Girl Scouts of America. She also served as Supervisor of the Youth United Girls Club and as President of the Dr. Helen B. Stafford Study Club. In recognition of her leadership and service, Katherine was honored in 1982 as the Dr. Helen B. Stafford Study Club’s Outstanding Woman of the Year.
Katherine was also a cancer survivor in the early 2000s. Through all the trials and tribulations, she faced in her 96 years of life, she was steadfast in her Christian faith, enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and sharing her life stories. We are truly inspired and grateful for the resilience she demonstrated.
Katherine is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sons and daughters in law, nephews, nieces, cousins and some very special friends.
We will always love you mom, grandma, GG!
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