Katherine Lewis

Katherine Lewis was born Katherine Watts of Camden, South Carolina. She is known affectionately as Kat. Katherine’s mother, Almeta Days, died after complications from childbirth.  Before her passing, she asked that her Great-grandfather Joe Watts to care for her daughter, Katherine. From the time of Katherine’s birth, she was raised by her Aunt Daisy (Watts) Chavis, “Moms”, who was married to Uncle Ollie Watts. When Ollie Watts passed, Moms then moved to Brooklyn, NY. Because of the issue surrounding her birth, the Watts and Boykin families became her devoted families to ensure that Katherine did not want for anything. During her youth, Katherine would spend weekends with her grandparents, Horace and Evelina Boykin.  During the week, she would tend to her visually impaired Great-Grandfather Joe Watts.  She would assist him in crossing the streets, visiting family members, and assist him while he attended to other social and financial responsibilities. One fond memory Katherine had of her Great-Grandfather Joe Watts was his ability to discover where Katherine hid her dirty laundry. He would use his walking stick to poke behind the trunk.  As he suspected, Katherine hid her dirty clothes behind the trunk in the bedroom.  As a child, she admired his ability to be self-sufficient: selecting his clothing, managing his money and engaging in everyday life. Katherine completed the 9th grade at the Camden School district in Camden, South Carolina.  Kat’s Uncle Williams Days, wanted to move her to Southern California to complete her education; however her great grandfather was opposed to that idea.

During the summers, Katherine would travel to Brooklyn, NY to spend summers with Moms and her adopted brothers, the late Moses Chavis, Floyd Chavis and Rosalee Chavis.

Another memory Katherine shared, was how she felt deprived from assisting her cousins in picking cotton in the fields.  Whenever her Great-Grandfather Joe called for her even when she was playing with her cousins, Katherine would immediately come to assist him.

Around 1947, after her Great Grandfather Joe passed, Katherine’s cousin, Maggie (Watts) Emory sent for her and her sister/cousin Marie Watts to come and live in Philadelphia.

Maggie was able to arrange employment for Kat.  She worked for a baker’s family, preparing desserts, and caring for their home.

It was in North Philadelphia where she met her future husband, the late Walter Emerson Lewis, who she called, “Lewis”.  Maggie was informed that one of her tenant’s brothers was interested in meeting her. On their first date, Lewis announced his plans to marry her, have children and own his own business.  She would not freely admit it, but she was impressed by his announcement. She would later remark that she wouldn’t married this sawed-off guy.  Fortunately, that perception changed.

She married Walter Emerson Lewis who was originally from Fulton, Tennessee a few years later. Lewis owned and operated Walt’s Barber Shop located in West Mt. Airy, and he worked nights at the 30th Street Post Office as a postal clerk. Kat was also a skilled hair stylist, but Lewis felt that two persons in the hair business was not necessary. 

Together Katherine and Lewis had two children, Walter Emerson, Jr., and the late Evelyn Richardson.

As a couple and a loving partner, Kat followed Lewis’ lead. She followed his plans for her to go to charm school to develop her personal fashion style and be the partner who would care for their children, their home and for him.  Because of their children’s medical concerns, Lewis strongly encouraged Kat to learn how to drive a car.  She, however, strongly expressed her desire that she didn’t want to learn how to drive a car.  In a surprising fashion, he arranged private driving lessons for her. Kat was responsible for driving both her children to a series of medical appointments daily.  Four times a week she had to drive her son, Walter to West Philly for allergy injections.

Kat fondly remembered another time that her driving skill became very important. Due to an unexpected illness, Lewis called her at home to come and pick him up at 30th St, Post Office. Later said she was glad she could drive. She also remembered how her husband defended her and their marriage from those who criticized her for not working.  She promptly stated that Lewis reminded everyone that,” Kat worked just as hard and even harder caring for their medically compromised children and caring for their home and for him”.  To that end, their children received the medical care they needed. She kept a clean, delightfully decorated, and immaculate home and cared for husband’s needs.  She always remarked that they never slept a night apart in anger. 

Kat’s driving gave her the independence to shop for bargains, visit family members living in the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York areas.

Family was very important to Kat.  From her experience as a child who spent days with her cousin/sisters: Beatrice Watts Willet, and her late sisters, Ethel Watts Pickens and Marie Watts Jowers, she always felt connected with their love and generosity from the Watts family. She felt close and loved as well by their surviving children, Dianne, Renette, Brian and Cardell.

In 1967, along with her sisters, she became a member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church.  She joined under the leadership of the late Reverend Claude Edmond.  She belonged to the Nurses Unit.  She remained an active member of the church.

After the birth of nephew, Bertram W. Todd, Jr, Lewis’ sister, Frances Lewis, Kat took responsibility for raising him during his formative years.  To this day Aunt Kat was never her title, but she was affectionately known as, “Other Mommy.”

Kat met her father, Frank Boykin later in her life.  However, in the late 1960’s, Kat’s cousin, Cora (Boykin) Thompson, arranged a meeting for Kat to meet her brothers and sister, the late James Boykin, Harold Boykin and Dorothy (Boykin) Hunter.  She was always excited to have and to know her brothers and a sister who loved each other deeply.  This affection continued with their children. Longevity of age runs in Kat’s family.  One of her favorite family members was her late Aunt Julia (Sugar Pie) Nelson who lived to be 100 years of age.  Aunt Pie is survived by her children, Cora, Ida, Lynette and Marie and their families. Throughout Kat’s life, her Boykin family provided constant enduring love and affection.

One of Kat’s deepest regrets is not having or seeing a picture of her mother.  Even though many family members have said she looks like her mother these feelings profoundly affected her. Throughout Kat’s life, she always cherished pictures of family and friends.

After a loving marriage of forty-one years, Lewis passed away suddenly in 1991. From their two children they shared the love for three grandchildren, Dr. Wanida Lewis, Whitney Lewis-Lockhart and Courtney Richardson.  She always expressed her sense of pride that each grandchild has created their own careers. Katherine was affectionately known by her grandchildren as Mom-Mom.  Her youngest granddaughter, Whitney would always remark how could Mom-mom, continually be turning either 29 or 39 years old at her next birthday?  Whitney herself was closely approaching 28 years of age, Mom-Mom jokingly remarked that her grandchildren would catch her and soon pass her in age.

Lewis always wanted Kat to develop herself.  In addition to learning how to drive, Kat developed several leisure interests including walking, biking, tennis, gardening, houseplants, and shopping.  Those of you that knew her knew that she had a passion for shopping and finding every bargain.  From that skill she taught her son, nephew and two of her grandchildren the necessary skills for bargain hunting. 

However, Kat’s most enduring interest was swimming.  Lewis encouraged her to learn this skill.  During the 1980’s, Kat expanded this interest by becoming a Certified Lifeguard, a Certified Lifeguard Instructor, a swimming instructor and an avid synchronized swimmer.  In addition, she became a board member for the Germantown YWCA. Kat continued her daily swimming routine into her late 80’s before it became uncomfortable for her to drive.

Due to her upbringing and because of the love and generosity of Katherine’s family she was always ready with a gift which she would share with family members, adopted daughters and friends.

Katherine’s neighbors from North Philadelphia, Mt. Airy and acquaintances from her interests have become lifelong friends.

Katherine would always share how she lived for 60 years in her house on Vernon Road. She was also proud of herself and excited that she could continue her independent lifestyle at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley where she lived until her passing.

Katherine preceded in death by her husband, Walter E. Lewis, Sr, daughter Evelyn Richardson and her sister-in-law Frances Lewis.

Katherine is survived by her son, Walter Emerson Lewis, Jr, his wife Wanda Marie Lewis, grandchildren Wanida Erin Lewis, Whitney Evelyn Lewis-Lockhart, and her husband, Thomas Lee Lockhart, Courtney Nicole Richardson and her husband, Tyrone Chavis.  In addition to her nephew/son, Bertram William Todd, Jr and his daughter, Christin Todd and great-grandniece, Saniyya C. Todd and a host of extended family members from her brothers and sisters, cousins, and the age-old tradition of aunties and uncles.

As we conclude Katherine Lewis’ life story, two things should be noted.  First, let it be known that she lived to the ripe old age of 39 or to us ordinary folk, 93.  Lastly, as she would frequently say, “I’m Blessed by the Best” !!!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Katherine Lewis, please visit our floral store.