Lois Arline (Sell) Lewis has left us peacefully three weeks shy of her 100th birthday. In God’s timing, there is no need to linger.
Lois was born near Leesville Missouri on the family farm, the only daughter of Laura and Elbert Sell. She was the sister of Leon, Kent (Thelma), Doc (Marcella), and Ray (Nola).
She was baptized in Tebo Creek, a favorite place for collecting rocks, when she was 9 years old.
After graduating from Coal High School in 1943, Lois went to Los Angeles and worked as a stenographer for Pitney Bowes while completing advanced secretarial courses. She was always a speedy typist and a skilled shorthand stenographer.
Lois returned home and married her high school love, Clark Jr, whom she called J. After WWII and J’s service in the Navy, they settled in Clinton and welcomed their children, Ronnie (Nancy) and Jeri Raye (Don). Lois and J were married for 77 years.
Early into their marriage, Lois and J became members of First Baptist Church where Lois (along with Eugenia Johnson and Bonnie Waugh) created the first Sunday School for 2 year olds. She believed the little ones could be hearing Bible stories and singing, versus staying in the nursery. Lois played a church upright piano, while tiny voices sang “Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam”. Lois taught the class for 10 years.
The grandchildren were always treasured: Kimberly, Matt (Marie), Lindsay (Brandon), Hudson (Fernanda), and Glory; great granddaughters: Kenzie and Codie (Matt), and Anika (Lindsay)
They will remember that their Gram, Gramma, Mommoo, GG enjoyed quilting, crocheting, painting, gardening, traveling, Christmas, sending cards, collecting antiques, family dinners, making pies, coke salad, and more.
Lois loved the 10 years she worked at Clinton High School as the office secretary (1951-1961). If you were a student during those years, she remembered you with kindness. It was her “job of the heart.”
Retiring after 25 years, Lois worked as the corporation secretary and office manager for Williams Rock Corp.
Mom Lois said “If you live long enough, grief will find you”, as she reflected on the death of her son Ronnie in 2011 and later J in 2022. She knew however, that her journey would lead to reuniting with them in paradise, and she anticipated that day.
Today, September 18, 2025 we say goodbye.
We let you go.
Run to the arms of Jesus.
We will see you there.
To our special friends who stayed until the end, I am grateful.
Jeri Raye
Graveside services and burial were at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Englewood Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.
