Patricia Lewis

Patricia E. (Raven) Lewis of Evans, GA passed away surrounded by loved ones on April 3, 2024, one short month after the passing of her cherished husband, Donald H. Lewis. 

Pat was born in Port Jefferson, New York on August 26, 1938, to Charles and Greta Raven. Her childhood was spent with her parents and sisters in Port Jefferson and Baldwin. She was proud to call Long Island her home. Pat attended Baldwin High School where she was President of G.A.A. (Girls Athletic Association), a member of the Girls’ Leader Corps, and Captain of the winning Gold Team during Sportsnite of Girl’s Week 1956. In addition, she participated in Kappa Hi-Y, Glee Club, Nexus (yearbook), Tumbling Club, Field Hockey, Basketball, and Archery.    

After high school graduation, Pat felt strongly about continuing her education. She attended and earned an associate degree in applied science with a major in business technology from State University of New York, Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute at Farmingdale, in 1958. During college, her involvement in school activities continued. She was a cheerleader, a member of NOMA (National Management Association), Islander (yearbook), Orientation Committee, and Drama Club. 

While Pat worked for Grumman Corporation on Long Island, she met the love of her life on a blind date. She married Don at West Point on June 8, 1961, and the trajectory of her life was forever changed. She instantly became the devoted wife of an Army Officer and eventually took on roles of loving mother and grandmother.  

During her husband’s twenty-eight-year military career, Pat lived abroad, moved every two to three years, and handled the demands of raising children on her own while Don was away on multiple hardship tours. She was a member of the Officer’s Wives Club which led to volunteer opportunities on multiple bases including working with Thrift Shops, coordinating donations of food and clothing to families in need, contributing to military libraries, and supporting her fellow military wives. She hosted dinner parties and attended required social events with dignity and grace. As Don’s career advanced, Pat welcomed the additional expectations that came along. During Don’s assignment as the Commander of the 35^th Signal Brigade at Fort Bragg, Pat worked tirelessly to prepare for hundreds of people from the brigade to be welcomed into their home each year. She was a gracious host and always made sure every detail was perfect.  

Pat had many hobbies and interests. She painted, created pottery, sewed, cross stitched and over the years learned calligraphy and quilting. Her calligraphy skills were put to good use when addressing wedding invitations, and quilting brought her a tremendous amount of joy and happiness. Her quilts are works of art between the detail in each quilt and the fact every stitch was done by hand. She made quilts in honor of weddings, holidays, and for the birth of grandchildren. Her family is forever grateful and will treasure these pieces for years to come.  

After Don’s retirement from the military in 1989, Pat decided it was time to reenter the workforce. She found employment with Meybohm Real Estate in Evans where she worked as an office assistant. Around this time, she became a regular golfer, which once again put her athletic skills on full display. She played regularly with a women’s golf group and as a couple with Don. She also shared her love of golf with her grandchildren by spending countless hours on the driving range and course with them.   

Education, athletics, and supporting others were important to Pat as was evident from her early years in high school to how she raised her family. She was inclusive and welcoming to all. She spent time volunteering at her children’s schools and coaching their multiple sports teams. She had a love of animals beyond measure. Numerous pets were welcomed into the family including hamsters, gerbils, fish, a salamander, a bird, cats, dogs, and horses. Pat absolutely loved having horses and was a strong supporter of her daughters’ riding careers. From the first family riding lesson she coordinated at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to moving horses from state to state, to driving to countless horse shows and events, she absolutely loved having horses as part of the family. 

After retirement, Pat’s free time was spent volunteering for several organizations such as AJGA, Georgia Games, homeowners’ association boards, and during vacation bible school at Christ Church Presbyterian in Evans. She loved spending time with family and friends, carrying out family traditions, golfing, quilting, reading, and being a grandparent. 

Pat’s first major health battle occurred when she gracefully and valiantly fought and beat breast cancer. The fight of her life came years later when she was diagnosed with dementia. Though the disease took precious memories from her, it never fully stole her light. She was strong and battled to the very end.   

Pat is survived by her children: Sandra Lewis Knezevich (Michael), Donald Hugh Lewis, Jr. (Edith), Keri Lewis Monteith, and Jeffrey Jay Lewis (Jennifer); grandchildren: Shelton Hugh Lewis, Raven Alexander Lewis, Brayton Hamilton Lewis, Harrison James Monteith, Sullivan Charles Monteith, Cooper Samuel Lewis, and Benjamin Reed Lewis; sister: Linda Seidel (Daniel); and many other loving family members. She is preceded in death by her husband of sixty-two years: Donald H. Lewis; her parents: Charles and Greta Raven; and sisters: Barbara Ann Raven and Nancy Raven Curley.  

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Christ Church Presbyterian, 4201 Southern Pines Drive, Evans Georgia, 30809 with Robbie Hendrick officiating. Interment will be at West Point Cemetery in New York at a later date.  

Family will receive friends before the ceremony at Christ Church Presbyterian beginning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pat’s memory to the following organizations:

Alzheimer’s Association – Georgia Chapter

https://www.alz.org/georgia

Christ Church Presbyterian, Evans Georgia

https://www.christchurchpres.org/give9999