Mrs. Myrtis Cecilia Allen Lewis

Obituary For Mrs. Myrtis Cecilia Allen Lewis

Mrs. Myrtis Cecilia Allen Lewis peacefully transitioned on April 24, 2026, in Clinton, Maryland. She was born on October 28, 1955, in St. Augustine, Florida, to the late Mr. Elijah Allen, Jr., and Mrs. Jennie Allen.
She was the eldest of two children born to this union.

Education

Myrtis received her primary education in the St. Augustine public school system and furthered her education at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Having a keen interest in human resources, Myrtis later obtained certifications in Human Resources Management and was a member of the Society for Human Resources Management.

Marriage

Myrtis was united in marriage to William “Donnie” Lewis on April 29, 1980, in Greensboro, Alabama. Their union was one of true love and devotion that stood the test of time. She openly acknowledged how blessed she was to have such a committed partner as Donnie.

Career and Life

Myrtis was an avid reader and writer. She loved history and could discuss almost any topic with anyone; her knowledge was vast. She was a thoughtful and considerate friend—many have been recipients of her beautiful cards handwritten in calligraphy. Her love shone through with the delicious cakes she would bake for gatherings
and friends—the pound cake with the cherries on top and the red velvet cakes will be sorely missed. She was a great listener and adviser, too.

Throughout her life, Myrtis demonstrated strength, resilience, and independence. She was a devoted military service wife and traveled in support of him as his duty station assignments changed, both domestically and internationally. She always spoke fondly of her travels and the friendships she made along the way. Donnie’s last assignment at the Pentagon brought them to the Washington, DC, area where they settled after his retirement. Myrtis was the consummate administrative professional, serving long-term in various human resources capacities at Macy’s Department Store, Davis Memorial Goodwill Industries, and Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. For over 20 years, Myrtis courageously battled a debilitating illness, Polymyositis. She maintained a positive attitude and held on to her independence until around 2020 when the disease robbed her of her ability to walk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her loving husband chose to remain private about the difficulties she faced as her health declined. Through it all, she was an exemplary model of endurance and faith. In August of 2024, her beloved husband, Donnie, who had been her sole caregiver, passed away unexpectedly. In the wake of this loss, Myrtis leaned on the support of close friends who came to her aid. If she could express her gratitude, it would surely be heartfelt.

Family

Myrtis was preceded in death her parents, Elijah Jr. and Jennie (Granberry) Allen, her grandparents, and
many uncles, aunts, and cousins. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving sister, Clothilda Allen; nephew, Wynton Simmons, and his wife, Taylor Simmons, both of Florida; one great-niece, Sophia Simmons; one great nephew, Quinton Simmons; uncles, Rudolph Allen, and Aaron Granberry, IV(Alice Elaine), aunts Fannie Willis, and Karen Rowe, cousins Brenda Archer, Carol Archer, Ruby Lee Atkins, Samuel Edmon, Larry Granberry, Sr., Quinton Granberry, Sandra Miller, Rolan Granberry, III, Adietra Granberry, Aaron M. Granberry, and Arianna Granberry; as well as a host of in-laws from the Lewis family and other relatives and friends. Also cherishing many fond memories is her friend, Karen Perrin, who stood by Myrtis during one of the
most difficult seasons of her life. The Perrin children—India (whom Myrtis considered her goddaughter),
Marcus, and Lonnie II also provided support and care when she needed it most. Also, offering love and support during her final years are friends, Linda Harris, Brenda Marshall, V. Fay Mays-Bester, and Cheryl Baite. We also extend sincere appreciation to the many caregivers who compassionately assisted her.

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Services

Visitation

May

9

Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church

3695 Popular Springs Road
Marianna, Florida 32446

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

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Funeral Service

May

9

Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church

3695 Popular Springs Road
Marianna, Florida 32446

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

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Interment

May

9

Mount Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery

3695 Popular Springs Road
Marianna, Florida 32446

12:00 PM

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