Laura Virginia Lewis

LAURA VIRGINIA LEWIS, 99, of Weirton, WV, a woman of kindness, strength, and boundless compassion, passed from this life on November 23, 2023 – Thanksgiving morning – just a month after her 99th birthday. And to those who knew and loved this special woman, our deep grief on this day was interwoven with feelings of thankfulness for the many years she graced our lives. Born October 17, 1924, in McMechen, WV, Laura was the youngest of eight children born to Charles Frederick and Ida Mae Bickerton Slie. A long-time member of Cove Presbyterian Church, Laura’s life reflected her innate strength while maintaining ongoing optimism. She intuitively knew how to make others feel special and people were drawn to her. She was able to maintain this generous attitude and sense of humor even throughout her short and sudden illness, charming doctors and nurses alike with a smile as she offered thanks and encouragement for their care. She often wore a sweatshirt with the humorous inscription, “Kids Are My Business,” especially appropriate, as she was a constant presence in the life of her grandchildren, as well as countless young people who called her their “grandma.” To many others, she was seen as their “second mother.” Her home was always open, and many generations were able to share in the love of family there. An animal lover, her home was a haven for multiple dogs throughout her life. She also loved birds, especially cardinals and blue jays, and kept her birdfeeders well-stocked. A devoted bowler, she served on a team for many years. She often watched the former “Bowling for Dollars” program, insisting it gave her valuable “bowling tips.” Not normally a competitive person, she was, however, a relentless competitor in playing dice and during the occasional trips to the casinos. An avid reader, she would read a book a week, and she excelled at solving crossword and other puzzles well into her 90’s. Laura was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl William Lewis (on May 11, 1984). A World War II bride, she maintained that as a teenager, she knew he was the man she would marry the moment she saw him across a dance floor. She is also preceded in death by two infant sons; her daughter, Caroline Lee Mazzo; and her siblings, Thomas, Herbert, Clyde, Ruth (Slie) Greene, Harold, Charles, and John “Arthur.” Laura’s legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will forever live on in the hearts of her two daughters, Linda Louise Lewis (Mark) of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Jenny Lynn Cummings (Mark) of Weirton; and her six grandchildren, Carrie Townsend, Philip “Tres” Lewis, Molanda “Molly” Mazzo, Megan Lundy, Christina and Joshua Cummings; a great-grandson, Kyle Mazzo; and a great-great-grandson, James Mazzo, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. Friends and family were received at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Weirton, where funeral services were conducted, with Rev. Larry Barkley presiding. Entombment followed at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com.