Ms. Irene Lewis' Obituary
Irene G. Lewis, beloved wife, mother and friend passed away surrounded by family on May 25, 2013, after a brief battle with cancer. Irene was born on December 21, 1930 in Hertford County, North Carolina. She was raised in Baltimore and moved to Galveston with her family during World War II. It was there she met her dance partner of 42 years, Ernest G. Lewis, Jr. After they married, Irene and Ernest moved to Houston where they resided most of their married life. She moved to Country Place in Pearland in 1993.
Loved and respected by her family and friends, Irene was a passionate individual active in many pursuits. A member and past president of the Houston Assembly of Delphian Chapters, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the organization. She was an Honorary Life Member of the Congress of Parents and Teachers, and also ran for the school board. In her neighborhood, she was active in community government and served on various committees and as Program Chair for the neighborhood's activities. She served as a docent at Heritage Park for 10 years and taught fabric painting and crafts. In addition to her civic involvement, Irene never missed her Friday night Pinochle game. She also recently began attending a weekly yoga class. An avid music and theater lover, Irene frequently attended the Houston Symphony, as well as every play in town. She traveled with her family and friends all over the world and was always looking for her next grand adventure.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis Bryan Cotton and Anna Elizabeth Cotton, her husband, Ernest G. Lewis, Jr. and her daughter, Marie Elizabeth Bentley. Irene is survived by her son, David Bryan Lewis (Kristi), her son-in-law, Alan C. Bentley, her grandchildren, Patrick Bryan Bentley (Megan), Kelley Marie Bentley (Karim) and Jonathan Bryan Lewis, as well as her great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Paige Bentley, Chelsea Kowrach and Ian and Sophia Aitboughima.
A special thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Houston Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Houston Hospice.
What’s your fondest memory of Irene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Irene?
Share a story where Irene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Irene you’ll never forget.
How did Irene make you smile?