Submitted by Jean Bohanon-Williams:(9-19-13)

Odessa Lewis-Howard was born December 2, 1949, in Little Rock Arkansas to Mr. Lloyd E. Lewis, who preceded her in death (January 5, 1993) and Mrs. Catherine Turner Lewis.

The family circle was broken at 9AM on March 23, 1995 in Peoria, Illinois, when God called Odessa home. She had one sister, Ella Katherine Lewis, who preceded her in death.

She confessed a faith in Christ at an early age, and united with the Macedonia Baptist under the leadership of Rev. A. Bosley.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Otis Howard of Peoria, Illinois; her devoted mother, Catherine Lewis of Little Rock, AR; one son, Deshaun Atkinson of Peoria, Il; three daughters, Shelia Lewis of Little Rock, Andrea Doles, Renae Atkinson of Peoria, IL; two brothers, Lloyd E. Lewis of Dallas, TX, Robert C. Lewis of Little Rock, AR, seven sisters, Jean T. Myers, Patricia A. Lewis, Lois L Hayes, Cynthia M. Lewis, Darlene L. Carson of Little Rock, AR, Annie L. Allen of NLR, AR; two uncles Robert Lewis, Wichita, KS; Rev. Emmett Wiseman, Davenport, Iowa, three aunts, Josephine Bryant, Davenport, Iowa, Evelyn Byrd and Wileta Lewis of Wichita, KS; nine grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.