It is with great sadness that the family of Claudette C. Lewis announces her transition on Dec. 20 after a brief illness, at her home surrounded by family. Claudette was the fifth child of Mario and Maria Lewis (both deceased) and was born on April 10, 1950, on St. Thomas. She was a 1969 graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic High School and earned a BA in 1973 at St. Mary of the Woods College in Indiana.
Claudette began her employment career as an itinerant librarian at the Department of Education and furthered her studies in local history in Denmark. She finally worked in the Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs (now the Department of Planning and Natural Resources) in various capacities, rising to the rank of assistant commissioner of DPNR at the time of her retirement.
Claudette was an avid reader of all genres and a researcher. Her passion, however, was family. It is said that “The bond that links true family and friends is not one of blood, but that of Love, Respect, Unity, Loyalty and Joy in each other’s lives.” (Unknown). Claudette was especially focused on the younger generation whom she was always pushing to show up as their best selves; always pushing them to be better. She used every opportunity, every conversation to further knowledge and interest in the love of our culture/our history.
Claudette was a member of various community groups and organizations including Voices of Love, Friends of Denmark, St. Thomas Historical Trust, Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and Raunchy Bunch (now Jesters) Carnival Troupe. For many years she donated books with the corresponding stuffed animal to the Lockhart School Library.
Claudette was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Charles C. Lewis, Colville (Bapo) C. Lewis and Carol C. Lewis.
She leaves to mourn her, her beloved siblings, brothers: Cedrick C. Lewis and Vegon M. Jones (adopted); sisters: Corine C. Lewis Moorhead, Calvet C. Lewis and Cheryl Carmen Lewis-Cooper; in-laws: Doreen W. Lewis, Edna H. Lewis, Verne “Butch” Cooper and their families; nephews: Charles Mario Moorhead, Lorin B. Lewis and Tres Abraham; and nieces: Robynn L. Moorhead, Chelsea L. Lewis, Shanika R. DeWindt, Chrystall M. Cooper and Chantall M. Cooper.
She is also survived by great nephews and nieces: Tre’Vante, Amoia, Treshell, L’Tres and L’Rynzo Abraham, Ethan and Olivia Smith, C’Jia, C’Jyi and C’Naii Callwood; niece-in-law, Dr. Carrine Todman-Lewis; Claudette’s other family members include the Lewis, Garfield, Krigger, Samuel, Elliot, Nibbs, Charleswell, Kean, Petrus, Chinnery, Forbes, Cills, Simmonds, Jones, Penn and Wilson families.
While we will miss her physical being, we have numerous cherished memories as her legacy to pass on to future generations.
“So, we are always confident because we know that while we are living in the body, we are away from our home with the Lord. We live by faith and not by sight. We are confident, and we would prefer to leave the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:6-8
The family wishes to express our profound gratitude for the outpouring of expressions of sympathy during this very difficult time. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 10, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory Services; the family will be available to receive personal condolences from 9:30 a.m. and service will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Western Cemetery No. 1 immediately following the service.
Tributes are welcomed and may be sent to vacoop989@yahoo.com by Friday, April 5.
CLAUDETTE C. LEWIS HAS GONE ON TO GLORY
The family requests that festive colors be worn (no black).
Professional services are entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory Services located at 3815 Crown Bay Ste 10, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, 00802.
