Elaine Novanna Lewis

Elaine Novanna Lewis, 75 of Middletown, Rhode Island, was called home to heaven on Thursday, November 22, 2012.A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Community Baptist Church, Newport, Rhode Island, Rev. Dr. Vincent L. Thompson, Jr. Pastor/Teacher will be officiating. Elaine was born in Newport, Rhode Island on February 16, 1937. She graduated from Rogers High School, in 1954. Elaine was married to the late Robert W. Lewis, Jr. of Buffalo, New York.Elaine worked for Verizon for over 30 years; she was one of the first women to work outside on a telephone pole. She worked her way up to manager in the central office, leading the conversion to digital phone service in New England. After retiring from Verizon, she began working with her husband at their family owned business in Providence, where until her death she served as President of MB Management Co. Inc and Board Chair of Jammat Housing and Community Development Corporation. Elaine was an active and dedicated member of Community Baptist Church in Newport, where she served in various ministries including, Trustee, Marion J. Brown Visitation, Hospitality and the Sisterhood, Senior and Mass Choirs, Voices United in Praise, and Church School Teacher. She also served with particular fondness on the Feed the Hungry Ministry. She supported the Turning Around Ministries, the Rec Reunion and many other charitable organizations. Elaine was well loved and cherished by all who came to know her. She is remembered for her godly determination, beautiful smile, quick wit, compassion, intelligence and generosity. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Robert, her parents Martha L and Samuel K. Parker Jr. and brother, Walter Parker. She is survived by her father in law, Robert W. Lewis, Sr. of Buffalo, siblings, Edna Davis, Samuel K. Parker, Jr. and Phyllis Parker of Newport, Roslyn Brown of San Diego, Ralph Parker of Newport, Sharon Parker of Providence, brother-in-law, Bilal Abdullah and sister-in-law, Loretta Brookes of Buffalo, NY. She is also survived by her children Robert Franklin of Newport, Stephanie and Timothy Holley of Baltimore, Lauri and Kenneth Johnson of Providence, Denise Franklin of Plymouth, Khadija Lewis and Abdul Qudoos Khan of Middletown, and Jamila Lewis of Boston. She has seven grandchildren, Deniece Holley of Los Angeles, Lauren and Robert Smalls of Providence, Tamryn and Camille Holley of Baltimore, and Bilal and Amir Khan of Middletown. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunts, Ernestine Lomax and Laura L. Parker of Newport, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be given to Community Baptist Church Feed the Hungry Ministry, 55 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport, RI 02840. The family of Elaine Novanna Lewis wishes to thank all those who contributed to the care and support of our mother throughout her recent illness. Service DEC 1. 11:00 AM Community Baptist Church 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard Newport, RI, US, 02840