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Reflections of a Blessed Life

Today, we celebrate the life of Arvester Lewis, affectionately called "Tody" by her family and childhood friends. For many, she was the person who could always be counted on if you needed money, food, childcare or an ear to listen during life challenges. Not only would she help you during a hardship, but she also maintained contact with you to show her genuine concern. Most notably, Arvester served as a family and community "conduit" during the great migration. She opened her home and allowed people from Mississippi to live with her free of charge. This sacrificial act of kindness allowed numerous individuals to move North and obtain better economic and social opportunities. Arvester's life serves as an example of servant leadership inspiring us all to say less, do more, and let our smile and work product do the talking.

From the time Arvester was born on August 26, 1933, in Duncan, Mississippi, Arvester was positioned to assume the labors of love by which we fondly remember her. Arvester's parents, Datus and Arvester Carr were resolute members of Hooper Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church where Arvester accepted Christ and served devotedly until she moved to Memphis, Tennessee and joined Progressive Missionary Baptist (MB) Church.

Arvester married Rosevelt Lewis and moved to LaGrange, Illinois. She actively supported Second Baptist MB Church, Davis Memorial AME Church and Saint James MB Church.

Arvester was employed by Reynolds Metal Company and retired after 25 years of service. Following retirement, Arvester returned to Memphis, Tennessee to be closer to her family. Arvester joined Promise Land Church and remained faithful until she transitioned on May 6, 2025. She was a devout Christian whose life and legacy were about practicing gratitude and serving others. She lived in a state of joy and contentment, regardless of the external circumstances.

We will forever remember the tangible expressions of Arvester's love for children, life counsel and unselfish sharing spirit with others without expecting anything in return. She was naturally friendly and outgoing, readily engaging and forming bonds with anyone she encountered rather than simply passing them by. She eagerly expressed her gratitude for every open heart. In return, family, friends, and strangers alike shared their laughter, their love and their lives with Arvester.

Arvester's husband, Rosevelt Lewis; her stepchildren, Gary Lewis, Wendell Lewis and Antonio Lewis, her siblings, William Carr, Clarence Carr, Sarah Loyd, James Carr, Agness Lane, Datus Carr, Julius Carr, Samuel Carr, Alonzo Carr and Dorothy Hooker; and son-in-law Lonnie Burks preceded Arvester in death. Arvester leaves to cherish her memories, her sister Viola Gossett, and Lillie Mae Carr (sister-in-law); her child, Bobbie Burks; her stepchildren, Rosevelt Lewis Jr, Michael Lewis, Linda Crockett and Kim Owens-Lewis; her grandchildren, Michael Carr, Mitchell White and Marilyn Burks; her great-grandchild Benaiah R. Webster-White; her godchildren Nicole Dent and Patrick Dent; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church families.