Katherine L. Lewis

Katherine L. Lewis peacefully passed away on December 9, 2013 in Portland, Oregon. Katherine was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be remembered for her tenacious spirit and her kind and giving heart. Katherine was born on February 9, 1943 in Warren, Arkansas to parents Limmie and Walter P. McNeil. As an infant, Katherine’s family moved from Arkansas to Portland and settled into family life in the Pacific NW. Katherine attended Boise-Elliott Elementary and graduated from Jefferson High School. Katherine attended some college and found full time employment as a payroll clerk and later as a payroll specialist. In the 1960’s Katherine was introduced by friends to a handsome Airforce service man, who had been stationed in Portland. This chance meeting led to David Lewis and Katherine to unite in marriage and begin their lives together. They were married in Portland but shortly after moved to Hawaii where their daughter Kimberely was born. The family continued to grow with the addition of a son, David, and eventually they settled in the Tacoma, Washington area. As a mother, Katherine was very encouraging and believed wholly in her family. She pushed her loved ones to be the best versions of themselves and she took great joy in every accomplishment. She was an avid gardener and cook. She enjoyed the challenge of crafting difficult dishes in her kitchen and she adored sharing her work with friends and family. She would frequently plan parties or events at her home and was always the most gracious hostess. She enjoyed a house full of family and friends and reveled in the laughter and conversations that follow these types of events. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, Katherine was kind and generous. She would often tell her grandchildren that she would “walk on water for you” and she demonstrated this many time over the years. She encouraged her grandchildren to dream big and helped them articulate many of their goals. She always put her family first and in turn, she was first in her family’s’ heart. As a friend, Katherine was loyal and dependable. She maintained a close and personal bond with several individuals. She always had a great attitude and was supportive of her friends when they would go through different struggles in their own lives. Katherine was the type of friend that you knew would always be there during the good times and bad and always had a helpful word or action. Katherine is predeceased by her father, Walter P. McNeil, son-in-law; Brad Dixon, and grandson, Andreas Jones-Dixon. Her memory will be cherished by her mother, Limmie McNeil; former husband, David Lewis; daughter, Kimberely Dixon-McCleary; son, David Lewis; grandchildren; Brandon and wife Kelly, Porschae and husband Xavier, Bryant and wife Ashley, Vincent and wife Mesha, Brent, Quinton, Bishop, Arell, Margeaux, Kwantrell and David; great grandchildren; Kayanna, Tajia, Kimani, Vivian, Kimiko, Jayden and Jordan. Katherine will also be missed by a host of cousins, extended family and dear friends. Katherine was a woman who believed in her family and in her faith in God. She was resilient, steadfast and an inspiration. She will be missed by all who knew her; but her legacy will live on and be celebrated by those she knew and loved best.