Tommie M. “Toni” Lewis

Ms. Tommie M. Lewis “Toni”, was born in Dayton, Ohio to parents Hattie Mae and James Alexander Perkins. She departed this life January 15, 2014 at the age of 73.

Tommie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Lewis, brother Thomas Alexander Perkins, grandson Paul Johnson and great grandson Marcus Sharp.

Tommie was a long-time member Friendship Baptist Church and a former member of Broad Street Christian Church. Her life and profession mirrored her unwavering belief in youth. She felt that an investment in youth is an investment in a brighter future. Following this belief she spent years caring for “at risk” youth. Tommie began this work at Franklin County Children’s Service as a “Youth Leader” in Cottage 6. Tommie worked her way up to Supervisor of Cottage 1 and after years of service, she retired.

Tommie had a strong entrepreneurial spirit which she expressed in the starting of two businesses, Lewis Cleaning Services and Bob One Stop Carry-Out with her late husband, Robert Lewis.

She leaves to cherish her memory; daughters Earlene (Carlon) Hall and Maggie Brooks, precious niece and foster daughter Tomeka (Bruce) Alexander-Lewis; two brothers William (Dorothy) Alexander Perkins of Austin, TX and Elzie (Donnita) Alexander Perkins of Atlanta, GA; special nephew Kevin (Pam) Groce; grandchildren, Jasmine Hall, Tommie Brooks-Hall, Desonia (Ronald) Johnson, Dwight (Danielle) Johnson, Andrea Hall, Robert Hall and Jessica (Robert) Beasley; a host of great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Amongst those dear to her is a very special friend, Mr. Willie Robinson.

Next to Tommie’s love for God was a rich love of family. Often she glowed while attending family gatherings; those to celebrate birthdays, accomplishments and holidays to name a few. A strong appreciation of learning led to the development of many skills and hobbies. As an entrepreneur, Tommie also started a business called ‘Enchantment’, through which she sold arts and crafts created from her hands. Those same hands could aid Tommie in being a force to be reckoned with in a game of chess, Bid Wiz or Backgammon. You could often find Tommie enjoying two of her favorite pass times, absorbed in a juicy good book or listening to music. Her taste in music was varied, The Blues being one of her favorites. One could hear music throughout her home; while she relaxed, cooked, cleaned, cleaned, created, hummed or danced to it. Although Tommie will be sorely missed, today, lift our hears in this celebration of her vibrant life and memory.

These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life.
(I John 5:13)