Honorable Ronnie Cruzat Lewis

1944 - 2014

Lewis, Honorable Ronnie Cruzat The Honorable Ronnie Cruzat Lewis, was born on December 22, 1944 in Lexington, Mississippi to Ulysses Lewis and Mirian Lindsey Lewis. At a young age, he united with the Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lexington. Although his parent's marriage ended in divorce, mutual respect and a lifelong friendship provided the foundation to nurture Ronnie. He enjoyed a loving relationship with his parents, Ulysses and Louise Dixon Lewis and Athaniel and Mirian Lindsey Moody, who preceded him in death. Following high school graduation from Lexington Attendance Center, Ronnie attended Tennessee State University located in Nashville, Tennessee where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education. It was here that he met his future wife, the former Mary Blackwell. Ronnie and Mary were married on June 22, 1968 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Two years later they were blessed with twin daughters, Angeline G. Lewis, and Angelique K. Lewis. Ronnie was a devoted husband and loving father who took pride in spoiling his girls. After graduating from Tennessee State University, Ronnie later received the Master of Arts Degree in Administration and Supervision from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Lewis was the recipient of numerous awards for his achievements in public education, including an endorsement from the Chicago Board of Education at Chicago State University in May of 1998. Ronnie Lewis relentlessly practiced as a teacher and administrator at Harlan Community Academy (Harlan High School) in Chicago, Illinois for over thirty years. During his extended career at Harlan, Mr. Lewis served as Acting Principal, Assistant Principal, Department Chairperson and Summer School Program Manager. During his tenure at Harlan Community Academy, Ronnie's professional experiences consisted of former Chairperson of Professional Personnel Advisory Committee, former Union Representative for the Chicago Teachers Union and former Chairperson of the Professional Problems Committee. Mr. Lewis retired from the position of Assistant Principal in 2000. In 1980, the Lewis family moved, becoming one of the few African American families in Dolton. To address obstacles associated with integrating the neighborhood, the Home Owners Association of Dolton was formed and became the impetus for Lewis' initial involvement in politics. He served as the Villages' first African American trustee and later as interim mayor. He was elected Mayor of the Village of Dolton on April 7, 2009. His history of public service and commitment to Dolton's residents, businesses and organizations conveyed his determination to improving the quality of life within the Village of Dolton. Lewis' agenda for the Village of Dolton included a strong emphasis on job creation through economic development, improving public safety, inviting public participation and making core investments in Dolton's infrastructure.Mayor Lewis was an advocate for improving village streets and was very active in contributing to the ongoing economic redevelopment of Sibley Boulevard. He welcomed businesses to the Village of Dolton that was a positive benefit to revitalizing the community. Lewis assisted in bringing quality businesses to the Village of Dolton such as CVS Pharmacy and Food 4 Less. During 2007 Ronnie Lewis began the first of many trips to Ghana to provide books, laptops, and a water bore hole that bares his name. He was even appointed Chief of Dodofie and given the Kingship name Nana Osabarimba. Ronnie Lewis departed this life on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at age 69. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-six years, Mary Blackwell Lewis, Dolton, Illinois; daughters, Angeline G. Lewis, Atlanta, Georgia and Angelique K. Lewis, Dolton, Illinois; a brother, Lawrence Lewis, Alpharetta, Georgia; a sister, Angela Y. Moody, Chantilly, Virginia; and other loving relatives and treasured friends. Viewing, Monday, December 8th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Leak & Sons Funeral Home, 18400 S. Pulaski Rd., Country Club Hills. The funeral will be at New Zion Covenant, 14200 Chicago Rd., Dolton on December 9th at 12:00 p.m. with viewing at 11:00 a.m.