Blanche Elaine Lewis

Elaine Lewis left this world after a hemorrhagic stroke had made it difficult for her to continue

on in this life.

Wife, Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother are just some of the few titles she

collected over the years. Born in Massachusetts, she met her soldier-boy from Alabama. The two

had four children plus an additional two added into the mix. Six children in total. How did they

not lose their sanity with that many children? My Aunt Judy told me that my grandmother used

to say that so long you have childrens in the house you will always be young. My Aunt Judy has

shared stories about how my grandmother would play kickball with them outside or how they

would jump rope and skate in the den of the house until my Papa returned home everyday.

I personally remember spending the majority of my weekends in childhood at my

grandmother’s house. My grandmother was a light in the world no matter who she was around.

The contagious smile that would stretch anyone’s face anytime she got a visit or a phone call.

She thrived when her house was full of family. Even when her mind wasn’t as sharp as it once

was she would get that same excited smile to see a visitor, especially when she would see her

great-grandchildren. Even if she wasn’t fully sure who they were. She was a caretaker even

when it was her that needed care. Whether it was telling my Aunt Judy that her work day was

too long or talking about the things she knew about her friends at The Oaks.

Back in August my grandmother expressed concern about missing a bus. In order to ease

her stress I was told to tell her that the bus doesn’t run on the weekends. She must have taken

that comment to heart because she held on to her bus ticket until the first thing on a Monday

morning. I hope this helps ease the pain for those that are struggling to find peace. My

grandmother no longer has to stress about missing that bus. She managed to catch it in time and

reunited with my Papa and the children she lost while she was still on this earth. I’m sure there

was no time lost for them and their 58 years of marriage continues on as if it had never been

placed on pause.

She’s survived by many. Her two sons, her daughter, her grandchildren, her great -

grandchildren. I don’t want to risk not naming someone so I will leave it at that. They know

who they are. Blanche Elaine Lewis will be missed, but for some, our best memories include

her.

We invite you to share your best memories, or any words of wisdom that still stick in your mind

that she’s said.