Rita Von Lewis

Rita was born on March 15, 1936, in Sandy Hook, Mississippi, to the late Curtis Owens and Tossie Mae Henry-Owens. She later married the love of her life, James E. Lewis, on October 19, 1963. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love before making their home in Slidell, Louisiana.

Affectionately known as "Ma Lewis," Rita was a woman whose life was defined by compassion and service. She was a gifted beautician, an accomplished professional seamstress, and a dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant who spent more than twenty years caring for others in hospitals, nursing facilities, and private homes. She also opened her heart and home by providing childcare for many children throughout her community, earning the love and respect of countless families.

Rita was a phenomenal cook whose kitchen was the heart of her home. She especially loved the holiday season, spending countless hours baking homemade pies and cakes from scratch and preparing meals that brought family and friends together. Every dish she prepared was seasoned with love, and her family will forever cherish the memories created around her table.

A faithful servant of God, Rita accepted Christ at the early age of 12 and was baptized at Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church in Sandy Hook, Mississippi. She faithfully served on the Usher Board, Deaconess Board, Mission Board, choir, and as the church's Recording Secretary for more than forty years. At the age of eighty-nine, she was rebaptized in Jesus' name at El-Bethel Worship Center under the leadership of her son-in-law, Pastor Kent Smith, Sr.

Rita loved traveling, attending church services, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She was known for her warm smile, generous spirit, unwavering faith, and willingness to help anyone in need. Her life was a beautiful reflection of God's love and grace.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James E. Lewis; her parents, Curtis Owens and Tossie Mae Henry-Owens; her children, Shelia Owens-Greathouse and Dennis Forrest; and her siblings, Yvonne Brown, Millie Alice Young, and Steven Owens.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children, Joycelyn Forrest of Fresno, CA, Yolanda Forrest of Las Vegas, NV, Gwendolyn Williams (Windell) of Milwaukee, WI, Anna Jenkins of Slidell, LA, and Hannah Smith (Kent) of Pearl River, LA; 20 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know and love her.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, faith, strength, and beautiful spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Her legacy of compassion, service, and unconditional love will continue to inspire generations to come.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant... Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Matthew 25:21

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Von Lewis, please visit our floral store.