Bertha Lewis

Bertha Lewis was born July 26, 1920 in New Orleans, Louisiana and passed away peacefully on November 16, 2011 at the age of ninety-one. She was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, loving grandmother and caring great grandmother. She was a creative and talented woman who loved the Lord and always had a kind and uplifting word for everyone she met.

She was married to Willie Scott Lewis for almost fifty years. They owned and operated a clothing manufacturing company for over thirty-five years, followed by ten years in furniture design and retail sales. Bertha designed unique fashions for herself and others and showcased them in local fashion shows. She was a lover of gospel music and often spent hours on the keyboard creating her own songs. She was a member of the Israel Church of God in Perris, California where she served as the church pianist. She also traveled to various churches and senior citizen centers to share her musical talent. She was a guest on several TV shows, including Bill Cosby's "You Bet Your Life".

She is preceded by her parents, Eddie Hawkins and Bertha Dunn Hawkins, her husband Willie Scott Lewis, two sisters, Sarah Predigere and Shirley Hawkins; and one brother Herman Hawkins.

She is survived by one sister Rita Smith; eight children, son Lionel Lewis, daughter Bertha Ann McLeod, son Willie Lewis Jr.; daughter Rosemary Brittain, daughter Ramona Washington and son-in-law Clint Washington, son Christopher Lewis and daughter-in-law Ann Lewis, son Lloyd Lewis and daughter-in-law Svetlana Lewis, and daughter Sheila Lewis; sixteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews