Lanita Ruth Lewis '79'

Lanita Ruth Lewis was born January 24, 1947, to Harvey S. Brittain and Annie Ruth Brittain in Longview, Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age at Pleasant Green Baptist Church. She was a strong believer in Christ and believed that he was crucified, died and rose again on the third day. She attended Ned E. William School and graduated with honors from Mary C. Womack High School. She attended Kilgore Junior College with a focus in Business.

Lanita worked at Stroh’s Cannery for many years and retired from Texas Health and Human Services. Her warm and sincere personality endeared her to many on her jobs and in the community. She was an avid bowler for many years and loved playing dominoes with the best of them. She was also an avid lover of professional football and basketball.

“Nita” leaves behind to cherish her precious memories a loving husband, Hamon Ray Lewis, three children: Tonette Harris (Houston Caraway “Bud”), Dewayne (Tifani) Lewis, and Deroyce (Margo) Lewis. One daughter, Donecia “Necia” Hunter, preceded her in death. One brother, Harley (Willie Ruth) Brittain, Longview, Texas; Two sisters, Odie (Gene) Beaty, San Diego, California, and Nelda Faye Brittain, Texas City, Texas.

Lanita was affectionately known as “Nana” by eight grandchildren: Zamarion “ReRe” Bryant, Brittni Jackson, Alexis Hunter, Alaysia Lewis, Justice Harris, Isaiah Harris, Dewayne Lewis Jr., and Aria Lewis.

She also leaves to cherish her memories four nieces: LaJuanta Mitchell, Tunisia (Carlos) Hodge, Shaladrian “Lae Lae” Jones, and Tameka Lewis; five nephews: Charles (Shelley) Mitchell, Dewayne “Big Wayne” Lewis, Kirk Brittain, Kalani (Linda) Beaty, and Sean Brittain; two great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins and friends.

Lanita’s favorite scripture: Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death – so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him (1 Thessalonian 4: 13-14).