Magnolia Derendora Lewis

Our beloved mother, Magnolia Dorenda Lewis, was born on August 28, 1931 in Idabel, OK to Daisy and Willie (Papa) Smith. Her mother died when she was 5 years old, leaving Mother and her little sister, Elnora, to be raised in the loving care of their father. Mother attended Elementary School in Idabel, OK until high school where she continued her education at Centerpoint Hugh Boarding School in Pittsburgh, TX. After graduation, she fell in love and married Mitchel C. Lewis and together they had 7 children and blessed the lives of a host of many honorary children. Mother was a Godly lady, and she serve the Lord at Faith Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles; Gethsemane Baptist Church, Long Beach, CA; and Gospel Light Baptist Church, Spring Hill, TN under the leadership of Dr. Marcus Mardis until his retirement and currently Pastor Bill Adams.

Mother was a Godly, virtuous woman. Mother loved life. She lived life to the fullest. She was always serving, always giving, and always forgiving. Mother worked Customer Service for many, many years at Mattel Toy Company in Hawthorn, CA. She also worked at Gethsemane Baptist Christian School in Long Beach, CA teaching, loving, and servicing at the elementary school level.

She raised all of her children to worship, love, and honor God. She taught us to love and serve Jesus and to be kind and tender-hearted to one another. Mother’s light NEVER went out until she made sure the heart of her household was safe. She provided for her family ALWAYS putting others before herself…especially her children!

She is survived by her sister Elnora (Jerry, deceased) Woods of Kansas City, MO; daughters Patricia Martin (Robert Sr.) of Calimesa, CA, Sharon Good (Wyndell, deceased) of Los Angeles, CA, Jacquelyn (Arthur, Jr.) Harold of Spring Hill, TN and Crystal Lewis of Upland, CA; sons, Michael Lewis of Calimesa, CA and Vincent (Delonda, deceased) Lewis of Paramont, CA; 18 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Mother was a virtuous woman. Strength and honor were her clothing. Being blinded from Diabetes as an adult never stopped Mother from being a blessing to others. She also appreciated fine linen and fancy, pretty hats. This was our Dear Sweet Magnolia.

The Lord called Mother home August 30, 2018 and for this, let’s just praise the Lord! Amen.