Marieda Louise Lewis

Marieda, affectionately known as "Rieda", was born on February 15, 1943, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Raymond and Helen Bates. A fierce advocate who never stopped fighting for what was right, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Pittsburg State University and her Masters in Social Work from Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas.

She dedicated more than 30 years to serving vulnerable communities through social work. Her career spanned St Louis, Missouri, Wichita, Kansas, and 29 years with the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. Her work in child protective services, welfare-to-work programs, and veteran services made a lasting impact before her retirement in 2008.

Quick-witted and always ready with a laugh, she brought warmth and humor to every room she entered. She was an avid learner who stayed current on world events, a reader, a dancer who could be found cha-chai ng around the house to her favorite music, and a gardener who tended her vegetables with the same care she gave to people.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Sonya Williams; her grandson, Isaiah Williams; and two great-grandsons, Ezekiel Williams and Elijah Williams, all of Maryland; her brother, Ray Bates and his wife Kristi of Wichita, Kansas; a host of nieces, nephews, family and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charles Bates, Larry Bates, and Lonnie Bates; and her sister, Norma China.