Lillian Keith Lewis
Lillian Keith Lewis was born on January 11, 1931, to J.C. and Fannie Mae (Rivers) Keith in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Growing up, Lillian was a fast learner and mastered the art of cursive writing at an early age. Her countenance was always that of a protector to her younger cousins and friends alike.
Lillian graduated from Howard High School and went on to earn her cosmetology license. In 1958, Lillian met and married her life partner, Raymond Edward Lewis, Sr. and was wed 54 years. Her early work life started at the Patton Hotel and eventually she was employed at DuPont Plant where she retired.
She was brought up as a member of Bethel AME Church. Later years, she became a member of Union Hill M. B. Church where she was actively involved as Prayer Ministry president, president of her Sunday School Class, president of Pastor’s Aide Society. Upon relocating to Atlanta, she attended Helping Hands Ministry, Inc. where her daughter, Dr. Janise Carter-Brown is the pastor.
Always a personable spirit, Lillian joined the Elks Lodge where she served as the state president for 32 years. She was also a proud member of the Eastern Stars and Daughters of Isis where she served tirelessly. Lillian or ‘Daughter Lewis’ as she was affectionately known to her fellow lodge members, enjoyed serving others through various charities and ministries throughout the city and state alike.
She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, Pearl Harbor, Desegregation, The Civil Rights Movement and voted for the first African American President. Lillian raised five children and aided in nurturing her own grandchildren as well as her ‘adopted’ sons and daughters whom she diligently loved. During her life span, Lillian traveled near and far enjoying all that life had to offer.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents J.C. Keith, Fannie Mae Keith, husband, Raymond E. Lewis, Sr., brother Leon Keith, beloved cousins Elizabeth Wilson, Evelyn Shropshire and grandson, Casterdyral “Cassie” Brown, Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters: Karen Carter Avant, Dr. Janise Carter Brown, and Patricia Carter (Samuel) Coppin, two sons: William D. (Mary) Carter, Sr. and Raymond E. Lewis, Jr. Siblings: William Keith and Eyvonne Keith (Eddie) Hill and cousin, Leroy (Anita) Keith. Grandchildren: Leslie J. Riley, Karmen P. Hamler, Jabari (Tori) Brown, Demetrion Conner, William D. Carter, Jr., Marlon Carter, Raymond E. Lewis, III, Nikia L.M. Lewis, Monique Coppin. Great grandchildren: Kyle M. Riley, Khamari J. Aaron, Cory H. Riley, Kylie and Kylen Brown, William D. Carter, III, Tristin M. Lewis, Raymond E. Lewis IV, and Roman J. Lewis. Sister-In-Law, Barbara Ann Ross, Nieces: Valerie Davis, Kimberly (Donald) Boles and a host of beloved relatives and friends.
“It's what you do with that little dash between your beginning and end.”
Public viewing will be from 1-6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at the funeral home.
A celebration of Lillian's life will be held at noon on Thursday, April 17, at the Church of the First Born, at 3418 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga.
Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens.
Services have been entrusted to John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.