Pat Lewis

Pat C. Lewis died peacefully in her home, in the loving company of her family, on May 4, 2025. She was born Patsy Ruth Croghan on August 21, 1927, in Lake Worth, Florida. Pat is preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Judge Henry Lewis, her parents, Michael J and Minnie Gray Croghan, and two sisters, Verna Jean (Jim) Roberts, and Marilyn Jo (Bill) Willard.

Pat is survived by her brother, Michael F (Becky) Croghan of Carmi, IL, her four children, Jeff (Paula) Lewis of Indianapolis IN, Kathy (Rick) Williams of Louisville, KY, Dan (Jennifer) Lewis of East Lansing, MI and Sarah (Brian) Sneathen of Lafayette, IN. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, the Rev. Dr. Taylor (Blair) Hartman of Richmond, VA, Daniel Williams of Louisville, KY, David (Mitra) Lewis of New Market, MD, Ben (Courtney) Williams of Louisville, KY, Margaret (Jason) Maxwell of Lisle, IL, Claire (Ben) Bellamy of East Lansing MI, Dr. Kristin Lewis (John) of Brooklyn, NY, Henry (Emily) Johnston of Indianapolis, IN and Duncan (Amy) Lewis of Cedar Lake IN. Pat is also survived by 14 beautiful great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other loved ones.

Pat graduated from Carmi High School in 1945, and after attending Miami University of Ohio for one year, graduated from Murray State College in 1949 with Music degree. After graduation Pat served as a music teacher in the Lovington, IL public schools before marrying her high school sweetheart, Henry Lewis, on June 16, 1951. She taught music for several years in the Carmi schools. Pat was faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Carmi throughout her adult life, where she served as deacon and elder, and as an active member of United Presbyterian Women. She served as church choir director for many decades. On several occasions, she organized and conducted community performances of Handel's "Messiah" with combined church choirs of White County and an orchestra. Pat led an adventuresome youth, with the support of her parents, traveling with family friends as childcare provider during the summers to places such as Colorado Springs, CO and Chautauqua, NY. Her love of travel with family and friends continued as long as she was able to do so. Pat was a gifted singer. She sang with her sisters in local churches as a child, and as a young teenager, assisted in the sale of war bonds by standing on a soap box on Main Street and singing patriotic songs to entice buyers of bonds. Family lore records that once, during her teen years, she was called upon by referees and coaches to sing the national anthem to quell a brawl in the basketball stands. Pat had many other roles in her long life: Cub Scout den mother, rough and ready seamstress of Halloween/Corn Day parade costumes, card player, mentor and role model, faithful sender of birthday cards, and maker of caramel corn and party mix for family gatherings. Most importantly, she was a fantastic daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother and a faithful and devoted friend to many.

Funeral Services for Pat Lewis will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Carmi, with burial at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. unitl 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Contributions can be made in Pat’s memory to the Carmi Public Library and may be mailed directly to the library at 103 Slocumb Street, Carmi, IL. 62821. Donations will also be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, and may also be mailed to the funeral home at 609 W. Main St. Carmi, IL. 62821.