Marlene Odessa Lewis, 86, went home to be with the Lord on March 12, 2026, reunited with her devoted husband, William Lewis Jr.

Marlene was born November 9, 1939, in Marion, West Virginia, to Sylvester Johnson and Ellen Loman. She was the last surviving member of her siblings.

Marlene attended Akron Public Schools. She married the love of her life, William Lewis Jr., on April 15, 1957. To this union, six children were born, and they shared 61 years of marriage until his passing in 2018.

Marlene made her home in Akron, Ohio, where she built a life devoted to caring for others. She worked at a local nursing home for several years, continuing her lifelong calling to nurture and care for people. Marlene also babysat countless neighborhood children over the years, opening her heart and home to any child who needed her care. She was a mother and grandmother not just to her own family, but to the entire neighborhood.

Marlene had an open-door policy for anyone in need, and she always had a house full of people. Her home was a refuge where everyone was welcome, fed and loved. She found joy in the simple things – watching The Price is Right and her daytime soaps, walking the Goodyear trails, and most of all, being surrounded by the people she loved.

Marlene was a devoted member of Community Friends Church, where her faith was the foundation of her life. She lived out her faith through her actions, showing Christ's love through her endless compassion and care for others.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Lewis Jr.; her parents, Sylvester Johnson and Ellen Loman; her brothers, Sylvester Johnson Jr., Ralph (Mary) Johnson, James Johnson, and Edward Johnson; and her sisters, Hazel (Emmitt) Green, Mary Cooley, and Juanita Armstead.

Marlene leaves to cherish her memory: her children, William (Melissa) Lewis III of Akron; Ronald (Fonda) Lewis of Akron; Michael Lewis of Akron; Mary Ellen (George) Mosby of Akron; Sheila Lewis of Akron; and Andrea Thomas of Akron; her like-a-son nephew, Jeffrey Armstead; 23 grandchildren; more than 50 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends and the many neighborhood children who knew her as "Grandma" and "Mom" and will forever remember her open door, her warm embrace and her unconditional love.

The family appreciates your prayers, comforting messages, floral tributes and many other expressions of concern and kindness during this difficult time. Condolences may be sent to Rhoden Memorial Home, 1101 Palmetto Ave., Akron, Ohio 44306.