Lawana Rease DeWitty

Lawana Rease DeWitty was born in Seattle, WA on July 23, 1951 to the union of Ann and Rev. Jewel B DeWitty. She was the youngest of 4 children, two sisters, Ann and Myra and one brother, Gordon. She was lovingly called “Buggy” and “Ms. KOMO” by her family.

Lawana graduated from Garfield High School in 1969. She went on to study African American Studies at UW graduating in 1972, and got her secondary degree in teaching as part of UCLA’s class of 1974. She began her teaching career at Manual Arts High School while living in LA, at the same time her brother was there building his music career. They had many adventures together, her favorite was the time she met Stevie Wonder at the record store. She returned to Seattle and taught middle school for a short period of time before transitioning to Sharples Alternative High School (now Aki Kurose). She retired in 2000 from Cleveland High School, where she also served as a class advisor and cheer coach.

In December 1986 she married Jack Williams Jr, to that union Charlotte Estell was born. They divorced a few years later. In January 1995, she remarried Michael Smith, they divorced in 2008.

Despite an over 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Lawana was rarely seen without a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart. She brought positivity and joy to every room she entered and loved with her whole heart. She loved playing dominos, music, dancing, football and westerns. She could play the dozens with the best of them. Lawana adopted every friend her daughter brought home and loved them all as if they were her own. She could often be found snacking in her favorite recliner with the game on. Lawana was extremely excited to welcome her first grandchild, Bryson Rashad Nickles. She was a true example of appreciating every moment, despite any circumstances you may be facing at the time. Truly a life well lived.

Lawana was called to be with the Lord on December 23, 2023. She was preceded in death by Ann M DeWitty (mother), Rev, Jewel DeWitty (father), Gordon DeWitty (brother) and Jack Williams Jr (ex-husband). She is survived by her daughter Charlotte Nickles (Rashad Nickles), sisters Ann DeWitty and Myra Meeks, niece Charron Mollette and a host of cousins, friends, “adopted” children and extended family.