Mrs. Clara Nell Lewis -- beloved matriarch of a well-known Mobile family, died Monday morning at 2:25 AM at a local hospital after a long illness. Clara was known for her great Christian faith, her love of family, her fellow man, and her abiding confidence that education was the key to a successful future. Known for her great kindness, wisdom and outgoing personality, she will be sorely missed by many. Born in Greenville, (Butler County) Alabama, December 13, 1922, she married Roosevelt J. Lewis, Sr., and moved to Mobile in 1942. An early resident of the Toulminville area, she became a motherly figure to the entire community. She would often say that she was the mother of eight and had the opportunity to have a hand in raising 19 other precious youngsters. Before charitable organizations, Carver Park, or social services, Clara sewed sun dresses for little girls in the community, supervised untold children who played in the safety of her yard and disciplined those who needed attention. Although a career homemaker, she was a Red Cross Volunteer; found time to sew for area school extravaganzas and the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association; and chaperoned Scouting events. A 1957 convert to Catholicism at St. James Major Church, she was a beautiful voice in its choir; President of 'Circle 7'; CCD Youth Instructor; and a member of the Ladies Society. Although her first passion was children, she loved nature in every form. She had a green thumb and saw God's hand in both the plant and animal kingdoms; Clara loved flowers and was an avid fisherman. She caught fish when no one else could. Mrs. Lewis is survived by her husband of 63 years, Roosevelt J. Lewis, Sr. (a longtime retiree of International Paper Company); Roosevelt J. Lewis, Jr., (Carolyn); Patricia Lewis-Hardwick; Norman Alvin Lewis, (Brenda); Chinaester Lewis-Crenshaw; Ronald Andrew Lewis; Joseph Martin Lewis, (Deborah); Robert Gareddit Lewis, (Gladys); grandchildren, Melissa Michelle Lewis; Valanita Hamilton Schnyder; Sharmine Hamilton; Sherrolyn Denise Linson; William Corey Lewis; Chinaester L. Morrissette, (Krishna); Marcus Norman Lewis (Crystal); Brianna Tamelle Lewis; Malcolm Corneleous Burton; Derrick Revon Burton; Brian Bernard Burton; Kenneth Ronald Burton; Akeisha Sherron Lewis; Kashon Lewis; Joseph Martin Lewis, Jr.; Jovohn Lewis; great-grandchildren, Clayton Paul Schnyder, III; Amber Desiree-Destiny Schnyder; Marquan Lewis; Markayeze Lewis; Malik Lewis; Anaiah Jonee' Morrissette; David Burton; Kishun Romello Burton; Trenier L'Brian Burton; Kaylon Jarel Lewis and Tavon Marques Lewis. Clara is also survived by her siblings, Willie J. Mitchell (Jennie); Beulah Mae Davis; Gertrude Thomas; Eugene Mitchell; James Mitchell; Curtis Mitchell (Bertha); Bettye Jean Mitchell; Leodis Mitchell (Marie); Claude Mitchell; Katie Mitchell; Rufus Scott; Robert Scott (Marie); Melzolar Rich (Galloway); Ira Scott (Joe); Mary F. McGrady; Mertis Scott; Elmira Johnson-George; Annie M. Scott. Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 9:00-11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following at St. James Major Church at 714 College St., Prichard AL. Interment will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery, Mobile, AL. Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to HODGE'S CHAPEL L.L.C 701 Dr. M.L. King Avenue Mobile, Alabama 36603

Press-Register (Mobile, AL) - Friday, October 21, 2005