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Lille Lewis Obituary
Lillie Mae Lewis, 78, passed away August 3, 2015 in Reno. She was born December 22, 1936 to Hosea Stevens and Johnnie Hunter Stevens in Anson, TX.
Lillie studied law enforcement in San Francisco and, on October 23, 1972, became the first African American woman sworn in as a Washoe County Deputy Sheriff. After 26 loyal years on the force, she 'semi-retired' February 14, 1998. She remained an active, part-time member on the force until just prior to her death. Her commitment to her family, community and strong work ethic was an inspiration to all who knew her.
She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, fishing and she was a long-time, active member of Mount Hope Baptist Church.
Surviving relatives, who will miss her, include sister Jacquelyn Carson; children Justina Wiltz-Murry, Eric Lewis, Jr., Erica Hufford, Zelda Lewis and Lillie Trierweiler; and numerous grand and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Hosea Lewis; and brother's Willie and Josea Stevens.
Lillie had an open heart and was loved by many. Her family invites all who knew her to a memorial service at 10:00am, Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Mount Hope Baptist Church, 115 Kennedy Drive, Reno, NV 89506, with full honors presented by Washoe County Sheriff's Department. Inurnment will follow at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Reno. O'Brien-Rogers & Crosby Funeral Home, Reno was entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lille Lewis
Dan Coppa
August 3, 2025
She was one of the originals in the development of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. I remember her fondly.
Dan Copa
August 3, 2024
I remember Lille very well and was proud to serve with her at the Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Dan Coppa
August 3, 2023
Still a fond memory of a wonderful Washoe County Sheriff's Office deputy.
Dan Coppa
August 3, 2022
I continue to remember Lillie fondly.
Dan Coppa
Dan Coppa
August 3, 2021
Still missed and still thinking about Lillie and our time at the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
Avis Powell-Moore
August 15, 2015
I am so sad you are truly going to be missed you were a rock for the family and for the community.Thank you so much for the guidance and encouragement that you blessed us with along the way - I was one of them
August 14, 2015
Ms. Lewis, I will miss you so much. Your warm hugs, your no nonsense advice, your encouragement, guidance and always making me feel like one of your kids. With your work completed here on earth, Dear God wanted His Angel back! Thanks, God for letting Momma Lille being a part of my life!!
Love Always, (Rose) Rosanna Burrell-Ward.
Rochelle Sorrell
August 14, 2015
Dear Lillie,
Thank you for your beautiful smile, laughter and kindness. You are one of the women, my heroines, that have inspired me from a young girl to womanhood. My condolences, my prayers and blessings to Lillie's family.
Doreen Sahut
August 14, 2015
My dear Lillie condolences to the family I'm so sorry for your loss of your mom I'm her friend thru our beloved friend Claudette Tatum I will cherish the fond memories we had God Bless
Erica Hufford
August 14, 2015
Love you my Lillie
Douglas Brady
August 13, 2015
Lillie was one of the kindest Deputies I had the privilege to work with. She always had a smile and a kind word when we worked together. When I promoted to Sergeant, Lillie took me aside and stated emphatically "Remember where you came from Doug. Those stripes will mean nothing if you act like a fool. Just be yourself okay." Okay Lillie, I followed your advice. I will always treasure my time with you. You lived a honorable life and now you're going home. May God bless you and your family. You will be missed.
Robyn Lightner
August 12, 2015
I was saddened to learn of Lille's passing. It was a pleasure to work with her (I met her in 1972). She had an infectious smile and a one of a kind voice, you always knew when she was near. She was dedicated to her family, children and community. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Pete & Carol Bigrigg
August 12, 2015
Sorry to hear of Lillies passing. She was a joy to be around and always had a smile on her face. She guided this rooky on the ins and outs of the detentions division. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
God Bless you.
Maureene Thomas
August 10, 2015
I also worked with Lille when I first started at the SO. She also worked retired with a great family friend at Burlington. One of the best women I've ever met on and off duty. RIP and God bless your family and give them peace.
Cathy Zarubi Bruno
August 10, 2015
I loved working and laughing with Lillie at the S.O. What a wonderful person with a true heart of gold.
Al Saibini
August 10, 2015
I met Lillie when I started at the SO in 1977. She was always cheerful and friendly and willing to help out a sometimes-at-sea rookie. In the years I knew her, I only heard her raise her voice once. I have many fond memories of Lillie. She was a joy.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
August 9, 2015
It was my privilege to have worked with Lille at the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. She was a devoted member of the Office and I have maintained fond memories of her for these many years.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Dan Coppa (Ret'd)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Diane
August 9, 2015
My condolences to the family. Cherish your fond memories of Lillie. We all look forward to the day John 5:25 will come true for all the ones we loved and lost.
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