Doris Lewis

Doris Jean Lewis was born to the late Lucille Reid and Frederick Giles on November 9th, 1935, in Old Lyme, CT. She was reunited with her Heavenly Father on February 21, 2024, in Branford, CT. Doris attended Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, CT. Her passion for medicine and nurturing spirit inspired her to enroll in nursing school. After completing her studies, she went on to work as an LPRN at Yale New Haven Hospital – an accomplishment she truly cherished. She found joy in caring for others and thrived in the demanding environment of the operating room, receiving accolades from her patients and doctors. Upon retiring from nursing, she became a Facilities manager at Yale University. Doris felt immensely blessed to have the opportunity to do what she truly loved. In 1955, Doris married Augustus ‘Gus’ Lewis Jr. at her family home in New Haven, CT. They went on to have three children, Ronald, Jacqueline, and Marc Lewis. The family settled in a close-knit community in West Haven, CT. After retirement, Doris continued to pursue her hobbies of home decorating, gardening, and shopping. She enjoyed visiting the shops at Yale, tag sales and antique shops. She spent hours browsing until she found the perfect items and it was not uncommon for her to make friends along the way. She had an eye for aesthetics and her home and collection pieces were a great source of pride. She loved creating a beautiful environment for her family. Doris was a fun gregarious spirit; she found comfort in the happiness of others. She loved hosting get-togethers and was a legendary cook. She meticulously prepared meals from memory and beamed with joy at the nods of approval around the table at mealtime. Her talents were not limited to cooking, she was also a wonderful dancer and singer. She loved music; her renditions of Tina Turner and Patsy Cline classics at the Charlie Brown Campground were always met with a standing ovation. The campground was like her second home where she enjoyed spending extended summers with her family and friends. She was referred to as “Little Mama;” despite her small stature she had the ability to fill a room. While she was a phenomenal nurse, artist, cook, neighbor, friend, and mother, Doris often said that she was most proud of her family and was grateful to be able to see it flourish. Doris gave her life to Christ and became a member of Union Disciple UFWB church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Darrell L. McClam. She enjoyed worshipping and praising the Lord. Doris is survived by her husband of sixty-eight years Augustus ‘Gus’ Lewis Jr., son (Rev.) Ronald (Patricia) Lewis, daughter Jacqueline Lewis, son Dr. Marc Lewis, grandson Ronald Lewis Jr., granddaughter Chiciara Lewis, grandson Andre Lewis Sr., granddaughter Candice Wright, grandson Justin Lewis, granddaughter Sidney (Kevin) Bogan, granddaughter Norah Lewis, grandson Miles Lewis, eight great grandchildren, sister Dr. Cheryl (Jewel) Giles, sister-in-law Elsie Estes, nephew Spencer (Yolanda) Jones, and a host of other relatives.

Doris Lewis

November 9, 1935 - February 21, 2024