Erna Ilse Lewis

Erna Ilse Lewis, 83, of Green Sea, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Born on March 3, 1942, in Crailsheim, Germany, Erna was the daughter of the late Karolina Roth Mobus and the late Karl Mobus. She grew up in Germany after World War II and became a master seamstress, carrying a love of sewing and clothing design with her throughout her life.

Erna met and married an American soldier, the late John Hoyt Lewis, and moved to the United States as a young bride in 1965. Erna settled in Green Sea with her husband and raised their two children on a tobacco farm. After retiring from farming, she drove a school bus and worked as a teacher’s assistant. Her strong work ethic and dedication were evident throughout her professions.

Erna was a loving and devoted mother who supported her children through all their endeavors. Later in life, she warmly embraced the role of grandmother. Erna cherished and adored her three granddaughters. She enjoyed spending time with them, welcoming all the crafts, baking and adventures they had together.

In addition to her parents, Erna is preceded in death by her brother, Fritz Mobus and sister, Hildegard Vogt.

Erna is survived by her daughter, Chris Truluck (Douglas); son, John Lewis (Shanna); and granddaughters: Sidney Truluck, Cameron Truluck and Kacie Truluck.

Services honoring Erna’s life will be announced by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association of Charleston or charity of your choice in memory of Erna.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at https://www.mcalister-smith.com/

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.