Tawanna (Miller) (Lewis) Criss

Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Tawanna was a longtime devoted member of City Church before becoming a member of Calvary Grace Assembly in Eaton Rapids. She took great pride in housekeeping and adorning people's homes as if they were her own for more than 40 years. She had a love for all animals, especially bulldogs, and enjoyed feeding stray cats and wild animals. She was an excellent baker and proudly won the church's pie contest. She had quite the green thumb and her beautiful home floral garden was a sight for all to stop and adore as they drove by, even being featured in the Lansing State Journal newspaper. She loved her red lipstick, blingy earrings, cateye sunglasses, and her big hair - her beauty and confidence lit up the room. Tawanna was a loving, caring, and Godly woman and she set that foundation for her family to pass on generation after generation. She will be missed, and her memory forever cherished, by all those who knew and loved her.

Tawanna is preceded in death by her beloved sister and (best friend), Tanaya "Tanny" Lewis; brother, Tim Miller; and parents, Donald Miller and Patricia (Miller) Phillips. She is survived and dearly missed by her children, Anthony Lewis and Andrea "Meg" (Derek) Proper; three grandchildren, Alisha Lewis, Zana Lewis, and Nathaniel Tyler; two great-grandchildren whom she deeply adored, Lupe Pena and Zaidus Pena; special niece and nephew, Shana and James "Bean" (Carrie) Lewis; special great-niece, Tanaya Lewis; siblings, Terry Miller, Carol Wier-Tajiboy, and Sue Phillips-Tirone; five step-brothers; a step-sister; two nieces and two nephews; dear friend; and her former husband of 29 years, Don Criss.

A visitation for Tawanna will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel, 900 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. A funeral service will take place on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM at City Church 6228 Bishop Road, Lansing, MI 48911.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tawanna's memory may be made to Detroit Bulldog Rescue, PO Box 284, Saint Clair Shores, Michigan 48080. www.detroitbulldogrescue.org (Donations in memory of Tawanna Criss)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grlansing.com for Tawanna's family.