Obituary

Deacon Lonnie Lewis

July 12, 1928 - April 1, 2023

Deacon Lonnie Lewis was born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Charlie (Wilma) Lewis on July 12, 1928. He departed this life and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the age of 94.

Deacon Lewis accepted Christ at an early age at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Varnado, LA under the leadership of the late Rev. B.B. Moses. He continued his membership under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Alfonso Nelson and presently under the leadership of Rev. Byron Muse. He was a kind, gentle and humble spirit. He always wore a smile and was eager to share his life experiences and wisdom with anyone he met. He never met a stranger.

The song writer once wrote “May the Work I have done speak for me.” Those words do echo the life of Deacon Lewis. During his lifetime, he did many works for the Kingdom of God.

He originally was a Pulpwood Worker, Carpenter and Roofer by trade. He later retired from the Bogalusa Charity Hospital, State of Louisiana. He was a faithful and dedicated member of his Sunday School Class, attended worship weekly, and served faithfully on the Deacon’s Board and Brotherhood for many years until his health failed. He was dedicated to work of the Varnado- Angie Communities by being a member of the Concerned Citizens Organization where he later became the 2008 King of the year. He was committed to serving the widows of the community and anyone else in need. He received the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church outstanding Service Award and Senior Citizen Award of the year.

He also received the Mary’s Chapel United Methodist Church Church Senior Citizen Award. He was a Honorary member of the Washington Parish Sheriff Office.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 74 years Helen Henry Lewis of Varnado, La; two sons, Joe Edward (Alva) Lewis, Sr. of Bogalusa, LA; Elgrie (Loletia) Lewis of Angie,LA; one daughter, Carolyn Devonnie (Cedric) Banks of Missouri City, Tx; two sisters, Clarissa Jefferson of Jackson, Ms; Maebell Harrington of Varnado, La; one brother, Chester (Gwen) Lewis of Detroit, MI; 12 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 17 great great grandchildren; two special daughters, Cassandra Lewis and Gwendolyn Lewis of Varnado, LA; four special grandchildren, Donald “Ro” (Nicole) Lewis of Oklahoma City, OK; Joe Edward (Jeanneth) Lewis, Jr. of Missouri City, TX; LaToya Jefferson of Baton Rouge,LA; Scottland (LaKendra) Lewis of Bogalusa, LA; two special nieces, Doretha (Anthony) Monix of Memphis, TN; Marilyn (Johnny) Hayes of Smyria,GA; six special nephews, Raymond ( Irene) Henry, Sr. of Varnado,LA; Allen Magee of Bogalusa, LA; Jackie Robinson of Varnado, LA; Welton (Lisa) Henry of Augusta, GA; Elder Donald (Cara) Henry of Jacksonville, Ark; Ethan Henry of Memphis, Tn; two special Godchildren, Shaliza McKinley of Varnado, LA; Ronald (Tamara) Lewis of Woodstock, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Ronald and Donald Lewis, one daughter, Janice Lewis; two grandchildren, Keybian “Fat Cat” Lewis and Davonda Lewis; one brother, Cleotha (Minnie) Lewis and one sister, Viola (Truly) Cotton.