Elizabeth Lewis "Sis" Harmon

Elizabeth Lewis Custis Harmon, affectionately known as "Sis," was born on November 20, 1931, in Accomac, Virginia, where she lived, worshipped and worked most of her life. She was the third child born to the late James Edward Lewis and Josephine Dix Lewis. She quietly slipped away at Lakeland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lakeland, Florida during a temporary stay on Tuesday April 29, 2025.
Elizabeth was educated in the Accomack County School system. She attended T.C. Walker Elementary School and graduated from Mary Nottingham Smith High School. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a life-long member of Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) in Accomac, Virginia. Elizabeth was married to Merrill H. Custis until his passing in 1983. From this union, two children, Leenell H. Custis and Maxine L. Custis were born. She also was blessed with a second marriage later in life to William H. Harmon until his passing in 2011.
Elizabeth spent her early years working in the housekeeping department at the Whispering Pines Hotel in Tasley, Virginia. In September of 1970, Elizabeth began working as a school bus driver for Accomack County Public Schools, where she proudly served 42 years until she retired in 2012 at age 82. During her retirement years she enjoyed traveling and shopping. She was a dedicated J.C. Penney shopper and sought to visit a store wherever she traveled.
Elizabeth was always happy, pleasant, fun to be around, and bellowed an infectious laugh! She had many hobbies including collecting unique styles of salt-and-pepper shakers that she acquired on her travels. She became a master of most of the needle crafts such as sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, macramé, cross-stitch, embroidery and quilting. Elizabeth made numerous beautiful creations such as Afghans, blankets, sweaters, pillows, and hats. She was also a good cook and gardener. She regretted not pursuing a career as a home-economics teacher; however, she did pass on her skills to anyone willing to learn. Sis also loved gospel music and could be found rocking and clapping to the beat while she kept the radio tuned to gospel stations both day and night. Her favorite song was "The Rough Side of the Mountain." She was also a baseball fan and enjoyed watching her favorite team, the Atlanta Braves.
In addition to her parents and spouses, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Etta Lewis; brothers, Henry Mapp, Fred Edward Lewis, and Robert Lee Lewis; three sisters-in-law, Nancy Mapp, Rosa Lee Lewis, and Lillie Finney Lewis.
Elizabeth leaves to cherish fond memories: one son, Leenell (Barbara White) Custis of Lakeland, FL; one daughter, Maxine (Joseph) Custis-Hill of Norfolk, VA; three grandsons, Equan (Danyelle) Custis of Norfolk, VA, Shacarius (Alesha) Shrieves of Salisbury MD, and Eric Baker of Norfolk, VA; three granddaughters, Nicole Baker Walker of Atlanta, GA, Shana (Edward) Custis Parker of Phoenix, AZ, and Bonita Tyler (Julian) Brown of Virginia Beach, VA; sixteen great-grandchildren; four great, great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Elizabeth Lewis "Sis" Harmon, please visit our Tree Store.