Deaconess Ella H. Lewis, age 96, transitioned from this life to be with the Lord on Monday, September 24, 2018, at 11:41 pm in the presence of her family.

Ella Hayes Hickerson Lewis was born February 4, 1922. She was the fourth child born to Curley and Evilena Hayes in Bayou Current, Louisiana. Ella accepted Christ early in life and was the last living survivor of the 19 that were baptized in the Atchafalaya River.

Ella married the late Ellis Lewis, Sr and to this union ten children were born.

Mrs. Ella was a long time member of Zion tabernacle Baptist Church where she served under the  leadership of Dr. N.P. Jones and Reverend Jimmy Stevens. She later united with the Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Sidney Fontenot, Reverend Berkman Adams, and currently Reverend Braylon Harris. Recently she returned to Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Alvin Brass. She served faithfully as deaconess and a mission sister.

Mrs. Ella Lewis was a long time resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana and served her neighborhood and community well. Mrs. Lewis as she was called, was a self-made entrepreneur; she was the owner of   Little Sister's Ice Cream Stand selling frozen cups, ice cream cones, cookies, candles, sodas, popcorn balls and candy apples. Mrs. Lewis' yard was always filled with the neighborhood kids and she always gave them love and good advice. She also helped the young girls in her community with their young children making sure that they understood the importance of being good mothers. She loved children and took care of many so that their parents could work. Mrs. Lewis loved to cook and became known for her sweet potato pies as well as being called, 'The Frozen Cup Lady'. As the children referred to her as the frozen cup lady, they sang, "Mrs. Lewis, somebody wanna buy something", which eventually became her signature theme.

Proceeding her in death is her husband, Ellis Lewis, Sr; parents, Curley and Evilena Hayes; five  children, Herman Hayes Lewis, Lena Jackson, Ellis Lewis, Jr, Helen Leger, and Aubrey G. Lewis; two grandsons, Lee Jackson, Jr and LeRoy Jackson; goddaughter, Margaret Allen; four brothers, Roosevelt, Curley, Willie J and Milton Hayes; three sisters, Mary Haynes, Edna Hayes and Artimease Hayes.

She leaves to cherish her memories her children-two sons, Curley G. Lewis (Rose) of Houston, Texas; Roy M. Lewis Sr (Rosalyn) of Dallas, Texas; three daughters, Mary L. Guillory (Ricky) of Houston,   Texas, Wanda G. Kennison (Eddie) of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Minister Carol A. Jones (Michael) of Katy, Texas; two sisters, Elma Grant and Rozena Whitfield both of Houston, Texas; son-in-law, Winson Leger, Sr of Lake Charles, Louisiana; two daughter-in-laws, Gracie Lewis and Bridget Bailey of  Houston Texas; two sister-in-laws, Shirley Hayes of Houston, Texas and Freda Dicks of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Thirty-five grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and 27 great-great grandchildren;    goddaughter, Emma Haynes of Houston, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

"Mrs. Lewis, somebody wanna buy something"