Annie Mae Lewis' Obituary
Annie Mae Lewis was born in Hattiesburg, MS on January 27, 1927 to the late Charlie and Era Smith. It was there in Hattiesburg that she attended grade school, middle school and high school. After high school Annie Mae went to College at Tuskegee University which was short lived due to her Mother Era falling ill. Unfortunately, she had to return home without her degree to help with her siblings.
After returning home to Mississippi to care for her mother and siblings, Annie Mae reunited with her childhood sweet heart Leroy Perry Lewis Sr. They were united in Marriage on September 2, 1946 from this union Annie Mae birthed 6 beautiful kids Ann, Leroy Jr., Victoria, Cynthia, Keith and Sheila.
In 1956, Annie Mae and Leroy decided to follow some of her siblings to California for a new life. It was here in California she landed a job working for the café at UC Berkeley as a temporary worker with her sister Gladys. From there, she received a permanent job with UC as a Librarian that lasted for 22 years until she retired from the UC system.
During her years in California Annie Mae enjoyed cooking for her family, she was truly our BIG Momma. You could catch her on Sundays cooking and listening to BB King. She also enjoyed sewing in her free time, reading her favorite author, James Patterson, and decorating her home. She was the only women we knew that ironed her living room curtains before hanging them. She had also traveled abroad to places like London, England- Madrid, Spain – Paris, France and a few cruises along the way.
Annie Mae truly lived life to the fullest. She always lent a helping hand. Her kitchen and doors to her home were always open to all. Though she counted every penny, she would give you the shirt off her back.
She was blessed to wake up on this earth for 91 years and they truly were good years. She will be missed by all near and far.
Annie Mae was processed in death by Husband Leroy P. Lewis Sr. & Son Leroy P. Lewis Jr., 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 1 great grandson, and 1 great-great grandson
She leaves to cherish her memories, daughters, Ann Albert (Rayford), Cynthia Hillmon (Eugene), Sheila Mickens (Joel), son Keith Lewis, sisters, Gloria Ivery, Carrie Mondy, Gladys Smith, brothers, Johnnie Smith, Robert Smith, Frank Smith, 8 grandkids, 13 great grandkids, 9 great-great grandkids, along with a host of other family and Friends.
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