Novella L Lewis' Obituary
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” ~ 2 Timothy 4:7
On Friday, December 6, 2024, Novella Logan Lewis peacefully transitioned at the age of 92, surrounded by love. She was born on August 13, 1932, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, to the late Theodore “Ross” and Rebecca Logan. The third of nine children, Novella was lovingly named Novella Ann and proudly claimed to be "their first baby girl." After graduating from Northside High School in 1951, she worked as a teacher’s assistant at Lipford Elementary School.
In 1953, Novella married William Isaac Lewis and moved to Ridgeway, where she would spend the rest of her adult life. Together, they raised eight children: Joyce Wilson, Erma Lewis, Glenda Lewis-Fleming, Jerry “Cookie Lewis,” Debra “Niecie” Lewis, William “Larry” Lewis, Calvin Lewis, and Cathy Lewis-Howard. Novella was also blessed with twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Beyond her own family, she had the incredible experience of welcoming 32 other children into her home during her time as a foster mother.
A woman of strong character and wisdom, Novella’s deep love for the Lord was evident in her life. She was a faithful member of Riceville Baptist Church (Java, VA) before becoming a member of County Line Missionary Baptist Church (Vernon Hill, VA). Novella cherished her church family and loved fellowshipping with fellow believers. Despite health challenges that sometimes kept her at home, she always found a way to attend church when she was able.
Novella had a joyful spirit and loved to joke, always seizing any opportunity to spend time with family and friends. She was often found baking her unforgettable chocolate cake for loved ones to enjoy. Those who knew her were well aware that her favorite color was red, her favorite scripture was Psalms 23, and her favorite music was Gospel. If you truly knew her, you also knew how much she cherished long conversations and visits with her dear friend, Roberta “Black Girl” Younger. Two would often spend countless hours on the phone, laughing, sharing life’s latest happenings, community news, and providing updates on their families.
Novella lived a full life and touched many hearts along the way. Her 92 years of life was a testament to God’s grace, faithfulness, and blessings. Her life journey was filled with countless memories, moments of joy, triumphs, and challenges. Each year brought her greater wisdom, strength, and a deeper understanding of life’s blessings and the goodness of God.
Novella Lewis was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Rebecca Logan; her husband, William Isaac Lewis; five siblings, Elbert Logan, Onis Logan, Melvin Logan, Garland Logan, and Augusta Logan; and five of her children, Larry, Jerry, Joyce, Glenda, and Debra.
She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Cathy Lewis-Howard (Paul) of Suffolk, VA, and Erma Lewis of Vernon Hill, VA; a son, Calvin Lewis of Vernon Hill, VA; two sisters, Ernestine Davis of Landover, Maryland; Marian Dunn of Capital Heights, Maryland; one brother, Leroy Logan (Naomi) of Woodford, VA; 12 grandchildren, Kelly Lewis, Jermaine Wilson (Lakeitha), Daeja Lewis, Seida Lewis, April Lewis, Isaac Lewis, Gerreyl Fleming, Glennett Fleming, Gerald Michael Fleming II, Alicia Howard, Ashanti Howard, Paul “PJ” Howard IV; ten great-grandchildren, Tiaja Moore, Ta’von Moore, Camden Lewis, Taniyah McCallister, Jaelyn McCallister, Jaylan Dickerson, Jayden Dickerson, Zy’Heir Rainge-Fleming, Zion Fleming, Zakai Fleming; one great-great-granddaughter, Emori Moore; four living sisters -in law; her best friend, Roberta Younger; along with a host of extended relative and friends.
Novella was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, niece, friend, and mentor. She had a deep love for her family, church, and community and her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her. May her life be a reminder of the lives she touched, the love she shared, and the enduring faith and trust in God that carried her through. While we will miss her dearly, we find comfort in knowing she is now at peace resting in God’s care.
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