Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | Durham, NC

Obituary For Carla Denise Lewis

Carla Denise Lewis, 54, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born April 6, 1967, in Georgetown, SC, to Rufus H. and the late Myrtle F. Lewis. From the moment she was born, Carla was a force to be reckoned with. She graduated top percentile of her class from Hillside High School in 1984 and attended the University of North Carolina, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Relations. She continued her education to obtain a Master of Business Administration in Management from Strayer University in 2011. There she was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society. She was a proud member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and was initiated as a member of the Spring 2019 line, “66 Jewels of Destiny”.

Shortly after receiving her undergraduate degree, she began employment at Terry A. Williams Accountants Inc., where she remained for over 32 years. She also was a long-time employee of Macy’s, where she trained new associates for more than 20 years. Often referred to as the backbone of her family, Carla took care of everyone. She remembered every birthday, every anniversary, and always sent gentle reminders in the mail to let you know she thought of you. Her hobbies included traveling, attending church, and cheering on her Tarheels. Her impeccable style and witty way with words awarded her the nickname “Diva.” She believed intensely in giving back to her community and often volunteered her time to various organizations. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, Carla joined the Sister’s Network of Durham, NC, to advocate for breast cancer awareness. She also served as the Treasurer for the 1984 Class of Hillside High, The Sister’s Network of Durham, NC, and Nicole Dozier’s campaign for Mayor ProTem of Apex, NC.

Carla lived a vibrant life with more friends than you could count. Her family and friends meant the world to her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mrs. Myrtle F. Lewis, and sister, Gloria A. Williams. Cherishing her memories are her father, Mr. Rufus H. Lewis of Durham, NC, 2 brothers, Mark A. Lewis (Nina), of Winchester, CA, Michael T. Lewis (Shereka) of Morrisville, NC, 2 sisters Crystal G. Lewis (Kurt Rentmeester) of Fuquay Varina, NC, and Erica N. Smith (Timmy) of Graham, NC, 1 brother-in-law, Phillip H. Williams, 2 special godmothers, Mrs. Gloria Tyson, of Durham, NC, and Mrs. Thelma Hatton, of Winston-Salem, NC, 1 godson, Joshua Ward, of Raleigh, NC, 3 nephews, 4 nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held at First Calvary Baptist Church, 1311 Morehead Ave on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 12:00 noon, visitation from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Burial at Beechwood Cemetery.

Masks are to be worn and social distancing required at all meetings with family, friends and services.

All acts of kindness are appreciated during this difficult time.

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Guest Book

The Best and Winston family send their deepest condolences to the Lewis family. Carla had a beautiful spirit, her memories will forever live in our hearts, we were fortunate to have grown up with Carla and see her blossom into the beautiful person she was. Rest in heaven babygirl.

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Carla and I met over 20 years ago. She did my taxes and we developed a friendship, yet life drew us apart! Carla taught me a lot directly and indirectly just by the way she carried herself. Head up, poised and dignified! I hadn't seen her in I know 10 years, but her smile and witty ways will always be remembered! I just found out today of her passing and it really broke my heart, yet I think of the goodness of GOD and know he's called home another Angel to watch over those that loved, respected and adored her! Carla will be missed in the flesh, but her spirit lives in us! My sincere condolences to the family!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

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My Sincere Condolences To The Lewis Family. Carla and I were classmates, graduating together from Hillside High, Class of 1984. She has always been very kind and friendly. She joined our illustrious sisterhood and then we became Sorors. I will remember her fondly. Lisa V. Thorpe

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I've known Carla for a very long time. She was the nicest person anyone could have ever met. Her smile would brighten up your day. As life takes us in different directions, we lost touch over the years. But to think that such a beautiful soul will no longer grace us with her presence saddens me. But to know that she is with our Lord and Savior and resting peacefully brings me great joy. I pray that the Lewis Family will find comfort in our Lord and know that He will bring you peace. Carla will be forever remembered and forever missed - Marva Peace Wood.

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Carla and I have known each since we were kids; we're just a year apart in age. Our families were bonded by church which developed into an organic loving relationship. She I haven't seen each other's in years. My heart was broken to hear of her illness and passing. Everyone who spoke highly of Carla was blessed to be part of this beautiful angels love and life . Carla was a one of a kind special loving person who will be greatly missed . She's gone too soon. My tears are falling, my heart is sadden but God knows best. ~~~Mary Ann Barr ~~~

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Condolences to the family. Rest in power.Will be truly missed. E.Reese

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Lewis Family, My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences. Praying for your family. Bernadette Gamble Hammond

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I thank God for you Carla Lewis! I remember the first day you introduced yourself to me at Hecht's (not Macy's). We remained friends over the years. I will miss our catching up, but I know we will meet again. There is none like you! Love you and R.I.P. Juliet

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My deepest to the Lewis family. Carla was a beautiful soul and had a wonderful spirit. While we weep on this side, somewhere on a far distance shore she heard, "welcome home". Continued comfort during your time of bereavement. Charlotte Goode

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My thoughts and prayers are with the Lewis family.

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To the Lewis Family, my deepest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you go through this difficult time. Cherish all the wonderful memories and keep them close to your ❤️ Carla was a joy to be around and I loved her kind spirit. She always had such a big smile every time I saw her and that goes way, way back. I was heart broken when I heard the news she had passed. She will always be remembered as a wonderful, kind, passionate person. My Soror, my Friend, my Sister you will be missed and always remain in our hearts. Rest in Heaven and no more pain or suffering. Joyce Siler

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Praying for the Lewis family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and that brings us comfort. Barbara Faison-Ndyalvan is SNT-Raleigh

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Our condolences to the Lewis family. Carla had a warm smile and engaging spirit. She was very smart, dedicated and pursued every endeavor with confidence and persistence. She was a faithful and trusted member of the Hillside High School Class of 1984. Carla worked tirelessly on all our class reunions by assessing and organizing the financial management of our events. She also advised us on tax strategy and the latest changes imposed by the IRS. She was very much appreciated and we will truly miss her! Derrick Lennon HHS Class of 1984 President

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Our deepest condolences to the Lewis Family! Carla will forever be remembered in our hearts♥️ Much strength and prayers to the family! Melvin and Deborah Jackson🙏🏾

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I will miss my dear friend Carla. I'm grateful that we became good friends these past few yeara. We supported each other and cheered each other on. She was a blessing to so many and we felt that sunshine she could bring to the friendship. My condolences to the Lewis Family.

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My condolences to the Lewis family. I met Carla years ago we worked at Thalhimers, Hecht's then Macy's together. We lost contact for a while but always glad to see each other. We recently reconnected and I found out she was my Soror-what a celebration we shared. I was able to give her one of her elephants yet while she lived. A beautiful soul gone too soon from us but resting in the arms of our heavenly father. RIP Soror and Friend!!!! Koko Saunders

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My condolences to Carla's family for their lost. She will always be remembered fondly for her beautiful smile and got getter spirit. May God comfort you all! Sincer, Carla McLaughlin-Boynton

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Such a wonderful spirit. You will be missed. Rest in Peace. Kimberly Baron Dobson

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Sending prayers for the Lewis Family. May your hearts feel the tender nearness of God, the caring love of friends, and the cherished comfort of memories. The Ledbetter Family

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Dear Carla, you have truly earned your heavenly wings. My prayers are extended to your family during this difficult period. Joy Flynn SNT

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I met Carla through SistersNetwork. She was a tireless worker always thinking of others and wanting to know what else she could do to help someone in need. She was a class act. You have earned your rest my Sister. You have fought the good fight, now it is time to be with Jesus. I will miss you but I must believe that you are in a much better place on the other side. Your earthly suffering is over. Your faith and trust in God never wavered. You are now healed and with your sister and the rest of your family that went on before you. Rest in Jesus. My sincere condolences to her family and my prayers for God's strength peace and comfort.

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I met Carla as a member and supporter of the Sister's Network. I will always remember those fashion show days as we modeled those pink outfits at the Tea for 2. Fashionable Fabulous!!! Rest in Great Peace Carla. Gone too soon 💞

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Sending our condolences to the Lewis family. LeMarquis Goods and Family

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I met Carla through a mutual friend about 25 years ago. I was a member of her birthday club and was one of many that traveled to Jamaica to celebrate her 50th birthday. She was a very classy, selfless person with a heart of gold; beautiful smile, full of love and wisdom. To the Lewis family I extend my deepest condolences. May God give you comfort, peace, and strength during this time of sorrow. I will miss Carla's beautiful presence and our conversations. Renee Lyons

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My deepest condolences to family and my thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I meet Carla at a network event and it was like, I had known her forever. I told her that, I wanted to try some one different with my business/personal taxes and she said I am the one. She pulled out her business card and the rest is history. I am so saddened to hear the passing of Carla! 🙏🏽🙏🏽Tania Green-Clark

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Sending my deepest condolences to the Lewis family. I am truly saddened to hear of Carla's passing. I will always remember her beautiful smile. Please know that I am keeping you all in prayer. Carla Evans-Bush

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Carla truly will be missed. She always attended our Women's Day and other special events at Young Missionary Temple Her beautiful smile and sweet spirit uplifted us.My condolences to her family and friends Velma Britt

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A sweet, kind, gentle and loving soul gone too soon. I miss you already! Love, Willam & Sandra Weaver and family.

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Deepest condolences to the Lewis family. CARLA was such a sweet soul her smile and presence will forever be missed but her memory will carry on. Rest my sweet friend and soror till we meet again. Kendra Ellis

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Heartfelt condolences to the Lewis family and all who loved Carla. Earth has lost a caring and loving Sister, Heaven has welcomed a beautiful Angel.

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My sweet Cousin Carla, you were always so gracious and full of class. You will truly be missed by so many! Rejoice with your mom and sister up there! We'll miss you! ~Erica Davis & Family

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I met Carla years ago as I am friends with her youngest sister, Erica. Carla was smart, kind and very classy! I always admired her as she and I are in the same profession and she made being an Accountant look so cool. She was a wonderful big sister, daughter and friend and will surely be missed by all who knew her. I send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Lewis family and am praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time.

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Carla was such a dear friend and exuded class and grace always. She was thoughtful, caring, and kind. I'm grateful to have met her, worked with her, and called her a friend. I extend my condolences and cheerful memories to her family and other close friends. - Vanessa Purefoy

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Sending my condolences to the Lewis family. Sue Davis

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My deepest condolences to the family. She will be missed.

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I met Carla at UNC-Chapel Hill during our freshman year and she was one of the nicest people I'd ever met. All these years later, I still remember how much she loved to laugh. She was a wonderfully kind person and I am grateful to have crossed paths with her. My prayers and sincere condolences to the family.

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I will truly miss my dear friend Carla! We were next door neighbors in elementary/jr high, we both graduated from HHS and UNC-Chapel Hill. We connected again years after college talking that day from about 7pm to 5am non-stop catching up and we stayed connected every since. We formed a birthday club, travelled together, and what we enjoyed most was talking for hours about family, what was going on in our lives, and we both are numbers persons, so many financial topics were part of our conversations.😍 I have so many wonderful memories of Carla and I will forever carry them in my heart!❤️ To know Carla was to love her, and I know God loves her best and she is in the comfort His loving arms in paradise!❤️Mr. Lewis and family, you have my deepest condolences, I pray God's comfort and peace during this difficult time!🙏🏽❤️ Sabrina Hinton

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I'm so sorry to hear this. Carla was such a sweety. Always classy....I'm praying for the family.

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I met Carla through Sisters Network of the Triangle. I'll always remember her style and kindness. Sharron Hunter-Rainey

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Our Condolences to to the family of Carla Lewis A Wonderful and Beautiful Person

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Our deepest, most heartfelt condolences are with you and your Family.

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I'm so sorry for your loss. Carla was a very nice person and such a kind soul. May God grant you peace during this difficult time. Yolonda Woodhouse

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It's so hard to forget the pains of those we care about but it's so easy to remember the sweetness that they shared. I grew up with her, right up the street. And the lady who passed my Family house in that white Lexus was worth the look and wave. I count it all Joy that she came this way. Rest Easy Queen, your Crown awaits you. Bacon St Neighbor

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I grew up across the street from the Lewis family, Carla was a beautiful soul. My prayers for the family and friends. That the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, will aid you during these times of grief. Blessings and Prayers

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I met Carla in high school. She was a brilliant yet shy very sweet kindhearted soul with girlish laugh and smile. I never heard her speak an unkind word to anyone. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. To Carla's family and friends: I wish you all my deepest condolences and my prayers are with you. May God give you comfort and strength at your time of sorrow. Just knowing that Carla is no longer on this earth saddens me, but knowing she is present with our Father in heaven at the end of her journey makes my soul smile. Heaven has gained another beautiful angel in Carla. Joan Rich Jones-Hall HHS Class of '84

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With Sympathy to Lewis Family's Thinking of you in these difficult times and sending Love. EVANGELIST MARY HARRIS & FAMILY

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I had the pleasure of meeting Carla many years ago on one of my visits from Florida to Raleigh thru my Sister who was close friend of hers...we became friends as well and kept in close contact until she was no longer able to speak with me. She had a beautiful spirit , l will miss her calls and texts. My condolences and prayers to her family. I grew to love her, but God Loves her best!! Carolyn R. Fordham 🙏💕🌹

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With deepest sympathy and many prayers to Carla's family, she was a sweetheart!! My heart is heavy but yet l can rejoice knowing that she is with her Savior and resting from her labor. I will never forget you Carla, love you 🙏💕🌹

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Praying for the family of Carla. She was a kindred spirit and will be missed. Faye Tate Williams

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My prayers and condolences go out to the family. May you gain strengths during this difficult time.

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I'm so sorry to hear about Carla's passing. She was a wonderful person.

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Sending our condolences to The Lewis Family. Carla always had that beautiful smile from growing up as kids to adult life. She was a sweet and humble person. Praying for the family. You will be truly miss. Your growing up neighbor, Genevive

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I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. Carla was such a lovely person! Please accept my condolences. Praying for God's comfort to carry you at this difficult time ! Praying for you ! Diana Hedgepeth

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To the Lewis Family. I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. Carla was such a lovely person . Please accept my condolences. Praying for Gods's strength to comfort you at this difficult time!

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I loved how Carla always referred to me as her roommate Nicole even days ago—having met at UNCCH when we were both 17. Carla knows she was/is one of my favorite people. My whole family loved and will miss her dearly.

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I met Carla in high school and we became very good friends. We kept in touch over the years. She was alway polite, smart and classy. I will miss her beautiful smile and charming personality. My condolences go out to her family. Rest in heaven my friend.

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Prayers and Condolences to The Lewis Family .Carla was a beautiful person inside and out. Our neighbors for years,such a sweet and loving family.We Love Y'all. The Watson Family

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Praying God strengthen the family at this difficult time

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SMH .. 😞 .. I luv'd Carla .. she was ALWAYS a classy person .. a wall flower. She blossomed into a beautiful woman. We lived around 'the corner' literally from each other. Her brother Mark, our classmate Mark Murphy and myself. She was Mark's cute little sister. The world was a much better place with her in it. She will be missed.

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Carla was a sweet and gentle soul. She will be tremendously missed by many. My heartfelt and sincerest condolences to her family and friends. Pamela Murrell and Family

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My sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Carla Lewis. May God with her family and friends. Rest well my sister. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

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My sincere condolences to the family. Praying for your family.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | Durham, NC