Shirley Lewis age 84 passed away peacefully on December 28, 2019.  She married her long-time sweetheart and soul mate Maxwell Lewis on September 10, 1955 in Brooklyn, NY.  Shirley was born July 31, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY where she was the youngest of seven children to the late Albert and Eva Lewis.

 

Shirley attended Girl's High School and later excelled in Social Work and Human Services.  In her matriculation she actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reform as a Social Worker for Job Corp.  She impacted the lives of over a 100 youth for over 3 decades.  There has never been a time where you would find her idol between raising 5 children and a host of nieces and nephews.  She balanced unequivocally the role as a loving wife and faithful companion of 64 years.  She exemplified the proverbs 31 Virtuous Women.

 

As the heart of her husband she kept the fabric of their marriage strong through Love Loyalty and Faith.  As she approached middle age she engaged in unselfish deeds and relentless acts of love.  You would often find her on a hot summer day gathering up the neighborhood children along with her own to take them to her favorite park: Heckscher State Park.  Accompanied by her famous fried chicken, potato salad, cod fish cakes and sandwiches.  No one was denied, we all will miss those summer filled days of joy.

 

It was difficult to not to walk into her home and not feel the heartbeat of Her true celebratory nature, the sound of Calypso music playing, the aroma of her famous fruit cake, callaloo and crab, sweet bread and a number of other Caribbean dishes.  

She kept solidarity in the family.  Those touched by her experienced the fruit of the spirit.  Love, Joy, Peace, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness and Temperance.

 

We will always remember but never forget her unwavering Strength for life, especially in her most challenging season.  Family values, laughter and the importance of forgiveness, unity and faith in God was the paramount in keeping the family together.  This be her legacy.  She was never one to hold her tongue or a grudge in any matter, yet always played the winning hand. She was a phenomenal mother to many and a dear friend to all that embraced her open heart.

 

Today we give her honor and due respect as she takes her place with those who preceded.  Her son Albert Lewis, her brothers Joe, Ronnie, Ray, Mike and sisters Eltima and Sylvia.

 

She leaves behind her son Phillip (Esther) daughter Brenda (Dale), her son Wendell and daughter Karen. Grands Jamal, Hassan, Coressia, and Gaylend. Great grands Tatiana, Elija, Taujala, Nyla'h, Jayla, Londyn, Arie, Brayden, Kamryn, Annie and Kayla and a number of nieces and nephews.

 

God has truly fashioned the rose after the fragrance and the beauty that Shirley Lewis bestowed. For the rose symbolizes endless love.  Remember family and friends to continue to plant the seeds of love for that was her greatest legacy.  Family may bless her and grant her eternal life in his garden.

We miss you farewell.

Rest in Eternal Peace.