LaWanda Lewis

LaWanda Lewis, 81, of Abilene died Friday, January 4, 2013 at Care Inn of Abilene. Born on a farm in western Taylor County on August 21, 1931, LaWanda was the daughter of Presley and Thelma (Windham) Thornton. She attended school in Abilene, and worked at Girling Home Health Care for a number of years. LaWanda was active at Rose Park Senior Center. She taught line dancing, and performed with the group for many years. She was active at Westgate Church of Christ and Highland Church of Christ. LaWanda was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ada Gautney Cody. Survivors include her husband, Oather Lewis of Abilene; children and their spouses: son, Gary and Karen Choate of Jacksboro, Texas, son, Robert “Bob” and Nori Choate of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and daughter, Sandra and Cliff Fowler of Abilene; three grandchildren, Kara Crombie and David of Jacksboro, Dawn Sakes and Shannon of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Lindsey Harkness and husband Darren of Houston; and great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Crombie of Jacksboro. LaWanda is also survived by a brother, Bill Thornton and wife Laura of Tuscola, Texas; two sisters, Ina McMahan of Enid, Oklahoma, and Corine Parr and husband Ken of Richmond, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 7, in The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene with Gary Choate officiating. Burial will follow in theTuscola Cemetery. The family will receive friends 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The family of Mrs. Lewis wishes to thank Care Inn of Abilene, Dr. Anton Melnyk, Texas Oncology, and Hospice of the Big Country for the care they gave her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605, or a charity of the donor’s choice.