Tomella Lewis

Tomella Lewis (Calhoun), affectionately known as Tomey, was born on August 28, 1940, in Coahoma County, Mississippi. At 85 years young, she peacefully returned to her Father’s everlasting arms on January 18, 2026, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her loving family.

Tomella was born to Rosa Lee Robbins and Thomas Calhoun and was raised with humble beginnings that shaped her strong character and giving spirit. As a young adult, she joined her siblings, Anna Lee Williams and George Calhoun, in Chicago, Illinois. On November 11, 1973, she married William Lewis, Sr., and later made Indiana her home, where she lovingly raised five children: Samantha Lewis, Sunceray Lewis, Daniel Lewis, Monica Edwards, and Christopher Lewis.

A woman of few words but immense love, Tomella would do anything for those she cared about—often giving her last to help someone in need. She cherished her country roots and spent much of her life enjoying the simple blessings of gardening, fishing, and cooking. She took great pride in living off the land, preparing homemade peach, strawberry, and apple preserves from her fruit trees. Her favorite vegetables included mustard and turnip greens, crowder peas, butter beans, and okra. Just as she had a green thumb in her garden, Tomella was fruitful in spreading love to her family, neighbors, and community.

Tomella also loved to sew, creating dresses and quilts for her children—gifts that remain treasured reminders of her care and devotion. Above all, she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Loyal Lewis, De’driel Lewis, Quintin Lewis, Zachariah Woodard, Sade Arnold, Shaniqua McClane, Trinity Edwards, Muriylah Edwards, and Murray Edwards, Jr., Michael Lewis great-grandchildren: [Ximena Lewis, Faith Lewis, Xiana Lewis, Loyal Reign Lewis], [Naomi Lewis, Marsai Lewis, Kinsley Lewis, Houston Lewis], and London Lyons; Julius McClane, Quaran Edwards, and many great-great-grandchildren , and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her surviving brother “Jo”-Henry Malone residing in Florida.

Tomella’s life was a blessing of God’s strength and faithfulness that he has shown continually through the years, and if a testament to quiet strength, selfless love, and unwavering devotion to family.—qualities that will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and cherished her