Claudette C. Lewis Dies — Tradition Bearer/ Historian/ Chronicler
It is with great sadness that the family of Claudette C. Lewis announces her transition on Dec. 20, 2023, at her home, surrounded by family after a brief illness.
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- DPNR) 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 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 brothers: Cedrick Lewis and Vegon Jones (adopted); sisters: Corine C. Lewis Moorhead, Calvet C. Lewis and Cheryl C. Lewis-Cooper; sisters-in-law: Doreen W. Lewis, Edna H. Lewis and their families.
Other relatives include three nephews, five nieces, five great-nephews and five great nieces; and the Lewis, Garfield, Krigger, Samuel, Elliot, Nibbs, Charleswell, Kean, Petrus, Chinnery, Forbes, Cills, Simmonds, Jones, Penn and Wilson families.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services (time TBA later).
While we will miss her physical being, we have numerous cherished memories as her legacy to pass on to future generations.
2 Cor. 5:6-8
“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.”
Professional services are entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services located at 3815 Crown Bay Ste 10, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, 00802.
Claudette C. Lewis Has Gone on to Glory!
