Hiawatha Lewis

Hiawatha Lewis departed this life on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the age of 76. He was born to the late Percy Lewis and Antoinette Augusta Lewis on July 21, 1945. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margery Dee Marchand Lewis and his son, Derrick Lewis (Tracy). Also cherishing his memory is one brother, Reuben Lewis, one sister-in-law, Celia Lewis, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond Lewis, Marigny Lewis, Edmond Lewis, Antoine Lewis, Sr., and by his sisters, Golda Lewis White, Iola Lewis, and Veronica Lewis Hosey. Hiawatha graduated from R. T. Danneel Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School. He was formerly employed by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. He later retired from the City of New Orleans where he worked as a counselor for Milne Boys Home. Upon retiring from Milne Boys Home, Hiawatha started his own janitorial service. Also after retirement he worked as a youth counselor for NYC, a program affiliated with Total Community Action. In that position, he recruited boys and girls for the program, which involved job placement. He would monitor the youths’ progress by talking to the employer. For many years he managed his janitorial business for additional income. It is his affiliation with this business that he was affectionately referred to as “Hoover”. Not being one to socialize, he enjoyed working. He also enjoyed watching movies and talking about them. Hiawatha cared very much for his wife and the rest of his family, and he loved talking about them. He wanted everything to be right with them. Hiawatha’s real passion was offering advice to all. He would also follow up with the persons to whom he had given advice. He was always willing to help all people wherever or whenever in any way he could. He always liked to hear a good joke and enjoy a good laugh as he possessed a great sense of humor. Relatives and friends of the family, graduates of his class from R. T. Danneel Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School, former employees of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, former employees of Total Community Action, and former employees of Milne Boys Home are invited to attend the Homegoing Celebration on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask. Visitation will be from 9:00 A. M. to 10:00 A. M. with a Celebration of Life Service starting at 10:00 A. M. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.