Donna McCollough Lewis

Donna Marie McCollough Lewis, the daughter of the late Leonard McCollough and Claudia Johns McCollough Green, was born in Alexandria, Virginia on January 7, 1950. She attended public schools in Alexandria and Washington, DC, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1968. After graduation, she attended classes at Catholic University and Montgomery College. Donna was married to the late Keith Randolph Lewis and two children, Michael and Kimberly, were born to this union.

Donna was a woman of many talents. She was committed to her family and building a career in customer service. In 1968, she began her career at Washington Gas Light Company starting as a Clerk in the treasurer’s office and subsequently promoted to progressively more responsible positions up to Supervisor of Customer Credit Services. She was fondly known as “Miss Fix It”. During her tenure there, Donna and several colleagues were trailblazers in racial and employment parity for African American employees when they filed a class action suit against the utility. The settlement ultimately resulted in significant changes in Washington Gas employment policies and practices which positively impacted the hiring and promotion of minorities. In 1998, she retired after 30 years of dedicated service to the Washington Gas community.

Later that same year, Donna decided she was not done sharing her seasoned customer service skills and joined the newly established District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DCWASA). Donna became its first Customer Service Manager of Collections. In this capacity, she was responsible for resolving delinquent accounts and customer issues. In managing this often difficult and sometimes unpleasant task, Donna was described by customers and staff alike as always professional, respectful, helpful and, most importantly, kind. As a supervisor and manager, her staff paid her the highest compliment by describing her as compassionate and concerned with their growth and development as professionals. Many credited her for their promotions and career advancement. Over the years she performed in broader leadership roles, serving as the Acting Customer Service Project Leader and Acting Director of Customer Service. After another long and successful career, Donna retired after nearly 20 years.

When Donna retired after 50 years of service, she had more time to enjoy her family, friends and favorite time of the year – crab season. She would often get together with a few friends for crabs and shopping, her favorite past times. Everyone who came in contact with Donna experienced her warmth, caring, kindness and beautiful smile. Her family, friends and work teams all benefited from her wisdom, thoughtfulness and generous nature. Her strong spirituality and faith was evidenced by her treatment of her children and grandchildren of whom she was most proud.

The perpetual light that Donna brought to the world will continue to glow in the hearts of her mother, Mrs. Claudia Johns McCollough Green; son Michael Lewis; daughter, Kimberly Lewis; granddaughter, Tiffany Lewis; grandson, Jaden White; sister, Terri Henry Battle (Sam); sister-in-law, Dora Ceballos Johns; three nephews: Antonio Ceballos, Michael Johns, Jr., Shayne Henry; niece, Michelle Johns and a host of other family members and friends. Donna was predeceased by her cherished brother, Michael Johns, Sr.

This is but a snapshot of Donna’s incredible life. This is a celebration of Donna M. Lewis – a much loved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

May Donna Rest In Peace.