Ernestine E. “Sue” Lewis, 91, formerly of River Forest Shores, Norfolk, passed away peacefully on November 7th 2015, at Pacifica Senior Living, Virginia Beach. Born Ernestine E. Shenk in Parkersburg PA, Sue was raised in Luray, VA, but enlisted in her 20s during wartime to be stationed at Norfolk. There she became a Naval WWII veteran in her own right, and she met and married Naval and Norfolk police officer Levin Thomas Lewis of Eastern Shore VA.
While raising 5 children in River Forest Shores, Sue expanded her love of crafts and volunteering to become a popular wedding caterer/cake decorator, taught cake decorating at the Virginia Beach Adult Learning Center, volunteered at the Hampton VA Hospital, all while participating in the Eastern Star, Shriners, Norfolk F.O.P., and the VFW. Sue never met a stranger, never ran out of energy, “owned” whatever room she was in. Called “Mom Lewis” by her ever expanding circle of family, “Momadukes’s” sense of humor and wit were “larger than life.” She loved to make people laugh.
Sue was predeceased by her husband, Levin Thomas Lewis Sr., and her twin children, Levin Thomas Lewis Jr. of Florida and Constance “Connie” McDonnell of Norfolk.
Sue is lovingly remembered by son William “Billy” Lewis of Chesapeake VA, daughter Betty Bigney and husband Vernon of Ohio, daughter Cynthia Griffin and husband Albert of Baltimore, her 5 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held on November 21st at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach VA with a funeral service immediately following. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests a donation be made to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff and management of Pacifica Senior Living (now Waterford) in Virginia Beach and Intrepid Hospice of Virginia Beach for the incomparable loving care and support provided to Sue and family during her final chapter in life.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Woodlawn Funeral Home.
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