Patrice Tanner Lewis, born Patrice Jeannine Williams on January 31, 1938, was the daughter of the late Patrick Harold and Thelma Ione Vernon Williams and was the beloved sister of the late Albert Vernon and Richard Lee Williams. She departed this earthly life on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the age of 85.
She is survived by her daughter, Melodye Tanner of Dubach, Louisiana; a grandson, Justin Grant Barnes (wife Emily Wood Barnes) and 3 great grandchildren, Tanner, Grant, and “Emma” Barnes, of West Monroe, Louisiana. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by several nieces, a nephew, and cousins. Patrice loved and adored her family second only to her love of God and counted numerous extended family members through her marriages and those of her grand-daughter-in-law as her own.
Upon graduation from Downsville High School, she married E. Wayne Tanner and made Choudrant her home for many years. She later married John C. Lewis and resided in West Monroe Louisiana where she was a member of First Baptist Church. She enjoyed a 34-year career in TV broadcasting at KNOE and made many life-long friendships. Patrice, “Pat,” went on in later life to earn a degree from ULM (formerly Northeast Louisiana University).
During her lifetime she was a freelance Political Campaign Consultant; served as a Charter member of the Young Republicans Club; State Director Public Relations, Louisiana AARP; 2 time President of the NLU Women’s Club; Board Member Our House/Safe Place; United Giver’s Fund; Quota Club, and participated as a member and officer of numerous other civic and charitable organizations.
She loved studying her Stovall family genealogy and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Cooking was one of her favorite pastimes along with gardening and preserving her bounty for family and friends. Everyone was always welcome in her home for a short visit or an extended stay. She never met a stranger and was loved and appreciated by those who knew her for her quick wit, humor, and generous spirit.
As a woman of faith, “Pat” wished to have a celebration of the immortality promised to all by Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage you to make a contribution to the church of your choice. She would love to be remembered with recollections and stories that celebrate what was good and blessed in her life.
The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the Savannah Grand Assisted Living employees, who took care of her, for their special friendship and dedication to her well-being; and a special thank you to the dedicated doctors, St. Francis medical staff, and Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care for their abundant passion and loving care of Patrice Lewis during the last weeks of her life.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, Louisiana. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 pm at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston with the service being held in their chapel at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Sibley Cemetery next to Alabama Presbyterian Church.
