Wanda Lea Lewis

Wanda Lea Lewis, born on December 26, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, entered this world as a treasured gift to her mother, Anne Striglers-McClary (1918–1980) and father, Waymon Eugene Lewis (1905-1988). She was raised with her beloved sister, Margaret McClary-Abdul (1947-2009), in a home filled with love, faith, community, and strength.
Wanda's childhood was rich with long-lasting friendships and unforgettable moments. She attended P.S. 67 Elementary School, where she met her lifelong friend Josephine "Doddie" Spencer, a bond that would last for decades. She continued her education at Sands Junior High School and Clara Barton High School, and later studied at John Jay College.
Her spiritual foundation began early. At the age of nine, Wanda became a member of Church of God in Christ on the Hill in Brooklyn, where she joined the children's and junior choirs and eagerly participated in church events, holiday trips, and youth activities. These early church memories were shared with her Godmother, Martha Bonaparte (d. 2007), and her Godsister, Valerie Smith (d. 1998), creating a spiritual family that shaped her deeply.
Anyone who knew Wanda knew that she had a heart overflowing with compassion. Holidays were always spent surrounded by family, food, music, and laughter - she made every gathering feel like love itself.
In 1983, Wanda began her career as a Correctional Officer at Rikers Island, where she honorably served for ten years. She earned tremendous respect from her colleagues and from the inmates she encountered, known for her fairness, strength, and empathy.
On January 1, 1996, Wanda courageously relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, determined to build a better life for herself and her daughter. In Jacksonville, she rededicated her life to Christ and became a shining example of faith, grace, and spiritual maturity.
Her calling deepened in 2004, when she studied theology at Thomas Christian College and became an ordained minister. Wanda preached from the heart, prayed with authority, and consistently extended love, hope, and comfort to others.
Her professional journey was as diverse as her talents. She worked as a security officer at Prudential, then at DDC as a juvenile officer, where she treated the youth with love, structure, and guidance - many of whom found in her the care they didn't receive at home. She later worked for the City of Jacksonville as a certified chef, embracing her love for cooking. In 2008, she became a bus driver for Durham, building strong relationships with her colleagues and the children she transported. Her warm presence, humor, and gentle authority touched countless lives.
Wanda's greatest joy was her family. She adored her daughter, Duainya Lewis-Drawhorn, who was her heart, her pride, and her purpose. Wanda protected, encouraged, and supported her daughter with everything she had.
Her heart expanded even more when she became a grandmother. On January 7, 2006, she welcomed her first grandson, Dazavion Eugene Martin. She was there when he took his first breath, and he remained by his side through her final journey. Her joy multiplied with the births of her grandsons DaZion Drawhorn on August 6, 2014, and Rickie "RJ" Drawhorn Jr. on August 8, 2015. Her grandchildren were her world - her everything.
Wanda's favorite scripture was Psalm 23, and she often encouraged her daughter to read it whenever feeling lost or discouraged, reminding her that "God is always present."
In 2020, Wanda became ill, and her daughter devoted herself tirelessly to ensuring she was loved, protected, and cared for every step of the way. During her years at Dolphin Pointe, Wanda formed meaningful friendships with residents and staff alike - often praying for others, encouraging them, or simply offering a comforting presence.
She was a beloved member of Light of the World Christian Church, actively participating in the women's ministry and the choir. Her voice, her faith, and her spirit were powerful and unforgettable.
Wanda leaves behind to cherish her memory: her devoted daughter, her "baby," Duainya; her cherished grandsons Dazavion, DaZion, and Rickie (RJ); her nephew Jimmy Abdul; her sister-cousin Norma (Eddie); her sister-friend Denise Mitchell; a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and lifelong friends.
Wanda was a gift. A gem. A light. And her legacy will live forever in every person whose life she touched.