Edna Joyce Lewis, 82, passed away in the early morning of November 3rd, 2023. Born on September 2nd, 1941 to the late Charles and Jesse Dunham, she is preceded in death by her twin sons, her sisters Leanna Jane Wilson, Mildred Bandjogh, Marie Shatosha, her brothers Charles Dunham, William Dunham, Miles Dunam and her husband, Thomas Lewis.
Joyce spent much of her life traveling across the country and had called Florida, California and Ohio home at different times in her life. She was a joyful, kindhearted woman who made many friends during her time waitressing. She would have loved to tell you about the time that she waited on Colonel Sanders and how to say “milk” in Spanish (leche). She appreciated questionable television shows and spending time with animals, especially her poodle, Bear. A skinny squirrel was never found near her Waynesburg apartment; partly because squirrels can’t critique her (lack of) culinary skills. She loved low stakes gambling, especially in the form of bingo but she would never turn down a game of rummy. Her love of elephants was evident to everyone entering her home and was almost as obvious as her favorite color (purple). Her faith and love of God pulled her through many struggles and this same faith and love of God is helping her children presently. Her generosity of spirit and unconditional love for those near her were pillars of her character and she will be greatly missed.
Joyce’s strongest passion was her family. She is survived by her children, Robin Dillinger and her fiance John Rittacco; Christopher Lewis and his wife Amanda; Rachel Cermak and her husband Jeff Ouano; Coletta Teagarden and her husband Christopher and their beautiful children Addison Nicole, Christopher Michael Newton, Zachariah Joseph, and Leanna Joyce; her brother Kenneth Dunham; and her sister in-law Mary Tickner.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA, where friends will be received on Thursday, November 9th from 4 until 6 p.m. followed by a service celebrating Edna’s life at 6:00 PM with Pastor John Milliken officiating. Interment will be private.
