Yvonne Jeanette Baker Lewis, daughter of the late Dot John Baker and Margaret Ann Thornton (Baker) Taylor, was born on March 21, 1949. Yvonne departed this life on Friday March 18, 2022, at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, VA.
The late Reverend Edward Thomas baptized Yvonne at Greater First Baptist Church, in Washington D.C. on January 30, 1957. Since living in Virginia, Yvonne was a member of First Lynnhaven Baptist Church and is currently a proud member of Second Calvary Baptist Church. Yvonne matriculated from Howard University in Washington D.C. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in 1971 and Master of Arts in 1973.
Yvonne began her journey working in the school system, as a Speech/Language/ Hearing Pathologist at Tracy’s Landing in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. She worked for the school system in California and Connecticut before settling in Virginia Beach. From there, she worked for Chesapeake Public Schools and retired with 25 years of service.
Early in her life, Yvonne embraced the importance of family and community service. She grew up in a very nurturing environment, where the family, the church, and the community trusted, loved, and protected each other. Yvonne believed that “Love one another is our greatest command.” From a young age, she has always taken an active role in community service and social justice.
Among the many beloved organizations, Yvonne was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She was initiated at Vallejo Alumnae Chapter in Vallejo, California on May 3, 1979. In 1988, she became a member of the Virginia Beach Alumnae Chapter, where she has proudly served as Chapter President, Social Action Chairperson and Social Action +Regional and State Coordinator. She also served as a past president of South Hampton Roads Pan-Hellenic Council, and recently was the Tidewater regional representative for the National Women’s Political Caucus of Virginia.
Yvonne diligently served on various organizations and multiple community boards including:
Yvonne diligently served on various organizations and multiple community boards including:
Beacon House Brain Injuries Caregivers Support Group
Golden Gavel Parliamentarians
The American Association of Retired People
The Virginia Board of Audiology/Speech Pathology
Virginia Speech/Language and Hearing Association
Virginia African American Advisory Board
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
National Council of Negro Women
Community Service Board, Virginia Beach
League of Women Voters, South Hampton Roads
Legislative Collaborative Table of Hampton Roads
National Women’s Political Caucus of Virginia
Virginia Ratify Equal Rights Amendment
Virginia Beach Re-Entry Council
African American Round Table
South Hampton Roads Pan Hellenic Council
Center for Common Ground
Community Civic League
Virginia Beach Mayor’s African American Round Table
In 2019, Yvonne was appointed by former Governor Ralph Northam to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s first African American Advisory Board.
Finally, Yvonne served on the strategic planning committee and lead the Virginia Social Action Task Forces’ participation in the “VAratifyERA” Campaign goal for Virginia to be the 38th state needed to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment so that “WOMEN” could finally be added to the Constitution of the United States. The Equal Rights Amendment was passed by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2020. The Fight still continues to complete acceptance into the Federal Constitutional Law.
Yvonne married Arthur T. Lewis August 31, 1978. From their union, they raised two departed daughters from a previous marriage; Adrienne Lewis Brodie and Kahlizsa Lewis. Yvonne is survived by Mignon Lewis-Green and Jeanene Lewis Williams. Yvonne also leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter-in-law, Makaria Lewis-Green and son-in-law, Phillip G. Williams; grandchildren, Roscoe Lewis, Tamyra Lewis, David Lewis, Elise Williams and Phillip Williams Jr.; sisters, Christine Pearson and Anita Wyche; nephew Benjamin Pearson and nieces, Janaf Scott and Andrea Howard. She also is cherished by numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and devoted loving sorors and friends.
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Cheryl Davidson says
March 24, 2022 at 9:10 pmYvonne you welcomed me with open arms and has always been a good friend to me. I will miss you my friend
Elaine J. Pratt says
March 25, 2022 at 12:36 amWith Deepest sympathy
Though my words can do little, I hope my thoughts and prayers will support you at this time.
Elaine Pratt
Cheryl Davidson says
March 25, 2022 at 2:07 pmMy With deepest sympathy for the family
Diana L. Grady says
March 25, 2022 at 5:30 pmDear Family, We all lost a beloved and beautiful person who will never be forgotten. She was my cousin and rock, always there when I needed her. We shared a special bond that can never be broken. In life as in death she is an Angel. Now she has her wings. Good bye my Yvonne, thank you for being a friend. With sadness and love may you rest in heavenly peace. Cousin Diana
Penny Sanchez says
March 25, 2022 at 5:30 pmSending love to a wonderful Soror!! God bless you always!
Delceno Miles says
March 25, 2022 at 7:31 pmMay God comfort and strengthen the family and all those who Yvonne touched with her dedicated service throughout the community. A true servant leader.
Vanessa Evans says
March 25, 2022 at 11:23 pmSoror Lewis was an amazing woman. You have my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Charissa P. Drake says
March 26, 2022 at 9:27 amTo the family, you have my deepest condolences. I was saddened to hear of Soror Yvonne’s passing. Her spirit and dedication will truly be missed.
Lisa Montgomery says
March 27, 2022 at 8:23 amTo the Lewis Family… Weeping May Endure for a Night but Joy Comes in the Morning… Prayers Comfort and Strength to the Family.🌹🌹 A Beautiful Queen has her Wings 💕
Deborah Pearson says
March 28, 2022 at 2:30 pmDeborah Pearson
Deborah says
March 28, 2022 at 2:36 pmI remember working with Mrs. Lewis at Butts Road Intermediate school in Chesapeake, Va. She always wore a warm smile and in conjunction with an intoxicating laugh. She will be missed.
Betty Warren says
March 28, 2022 at 12:49 amOur treasured thoughts will forever remain. Wishing the family peace and comfort at this most difficult time
Princess Anne Plaza Civic League
Georgia F. Allen says
March 28, 2022 at 11:44 amIt is with deep sadness that I send my condolences to your family and close friends. You will be missed and may God Comfort your loved ones at this precious time.
Karen Downing says
March 28, 2022 at 4:29 pmOn behalf of the Accomack-Northampton Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, we offer our deepest sympathy and sisterly condolences upon the passing of our dear Soror and friend, Yvonne Lewis. She was an epitome of dedication, tenacity and loyalty. We shall hold dear her affections for our chapter and for the work of our illustrious Sorority. May God provide the comfort, peace and strength to carry you through this time of great loss. We will continue to lift you all in prayer.
With profound sadness,
Karen Downing, President
Sandra A Cook says
March 28, 2022 at 6:32 pmYvonne was the Social Action Queen and words can’t express the LOSS. Condolences to the Family!!!!!
Ramona Doswell says
March 28, 2022 at 10:29 pmMy dear Yvonne Baker Lewis we met in the 6th grade when my family moved to Riggs Park. I was 11 years old. We attended 2 Jr. High schools and finally high school. You lived on the street behind me. We have been friends and in each other’s lives for 61 years. You are and was an outstanding person. Outstanding friend and community activist. I will miss you for the rest of my time on earth. You will live on in my heart. I will do my best to keep an eye on your beloved girls and grandchildren. Ramona Doswell
Joyce A. Johnson says
April 2, 2022 at 7:30 pmMy heartfelt sympathy to my high school classmate, Yvonne. May the family find comfort from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Joyce A. Johnson
Phillip Russell says
March 29, 2022 at 11:09 amMy dear Cousin Yvonne, my second family, Mignon, Jeanene, and Arthur. It hurts my heart that I am not able to be there. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Crystal Hickman says
March 29, 2022 at 12:05 pmMy deepest condolences and prayers are for all who love Mrs. Yvonne. She had a special place in the heart of anyone she met. I pray for peace and love to surround her loved ones; and, for her memories to bring smiles and warmth to their hearts as time goes by. With all my love…
Cheryl Ivey Green says
March 29, 2022 at 1:26 pmI will surely miss my friend Yvonne. What an honor it was to serve with her on the Virginia African American Advisory Board. From the moment we met, we were connected — kindred spirits. Her works surely speak for her. She was so dedicated and committed to the work of social justice. She leaves a legacy that will long live in the lives of the many persons she touched and impacted. I will miss you Yvonne. Thank you for allowing us to become fast co-servants! We will work to continue to advance the concerns you had for the African American community. I am sending my sincerest condolences to your family.
Consuela Gregory says
April 1, 2022 at 12:45 pmMrs. Lewis…. You were an amazing woman that little did you know how much of an influence you had on elementary kids like myself!!! I always knew that you were something different and special and after reading your obituary I was left in amazement! You have overly achieved as a strong black woman and this too has given me great motivation to move forward with the plans of my life. I’m thankful for your kind spirit I will be forever greatful for the impact you have had on my life. It was a pleasure and I will never forget you!❤️
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