W. Jean Lewis

On July 17, 1950 W. Jean “Doll” was welcomed to their world by her parents, Columbus Sr. and Mazie Lee Nelson in Clarendon, Arkansas.

Doll grew up in and was educated in Clarendon, Arkansas graduating from Carver High School. She moved to Kansas City, MO where she began working as a CNA at a local nursing home. She then began working at Little Sisters of the Poor. They inspired her to continue her education and she received her degree in Physical Therapy Nursing. She continued working at Little Sisters of the Poor for 25 years. Later, she worked at Bishop Spencer Place and Carmel Hills Nursing and Rehab in physical therapy before her retirement in 2009.

Doll accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She joined Faith Mission COGIC under the pastorage of Reverend Hubert Lambert, Sr. After his passing, she joined Emanuel Church Ministries under the pastorage of Bishop W.H. White, Sr. She was a very faithful member until her health began to decline. She served on the Faith Usher Board, and she is recognized on the Wall of Faith for her contributions toward building the Emmanuel Church Hope Community Center.

On April 29, 1978, Doll was united in holy matrimony to Charles A. Lewis, Jr. To this union, 3 children were born. She was proud to be a very dedicated wife, mother, grandmother. These were responsibilities that she took very seriously. She had a great love for her family and for human life. She was the caretaker of her brothers, Thomas and Columbus when they fell ill. She dedicated her time and love for them to ensure that they had everything that they needed.

Doll loved to cook holiday meals and bake pies, cakes, and other desserts. She loved to listen to gospel music. Her favorite singing group was The Williams Brothers. She loved to spend time with her family, and she always made sure that her grandchildren were taken care of. She loved to travel and to spend time with her sisters. She’d talk on the phone for hours with her sister Jesten. Gardening was something that she loved to do and she was good at it. She definitely had a “green thumb”.

Doll was at her home when she was called to receive her crown of Eternal Life on October 8, 2023. Her parents, 4 brothers: Jack, Columbus Jr., Charles, Thomas; 1 sister: Fannie Mae; 1 son: Thomas J. Lewis, Sr.; 3 daughters: Latrice V. Lewis, infant twins Stephanie and Veronica; 1 grandson: Dennis L. Smith have already received their crowns.

Those who will continue to cherish her and keep her memory alive are: Her dedicated husband of 45 years, Charles A. Lewis; 5 children: Glenn and Wende Cooper, Dennis, Carlton and Tiara Lewis; 5 grandsons: Dwight, DaVaughn Thomas, Que, and Jaylen; 8 granddaughters: Calandra, Da’Zhnieque, DeAshia, Evette, Tajsa, Samerrah, Jayliyah, and Zoie LaJean (soon-to-be born); 3 brothers: Rev. Linson (Pat), Horace (Buddy) and Booker (Pete) Nelson; 2 sisters: Jesten Jefferies-Hill and Melinda Nixon, 2 aunts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.