Laverna Lewis

Laverna Lewis, 86, passed away at 6:25 p.m., on January 25, 2017, at Hudson Creek Alzheimers Special Care Center in Bryan. She endured her long struggle with dementia with utmost grace and dignity.

Laverna was born on November 20, 1930, in Frenstat, Texas, to Henry Jahns and Laura Krueger. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister; Darleen Witte; and her in laws; Charlie Lewis and Minnie Fojt Lewis.

On February 18th, 1951, Laverna married Melvin Lewis who preceded her in death on October 28th, 2001. She is survived by her daughter, Sheryl Podraza of Houston, recently of Bryan; her brother and sister-in-law, Wallace & Janice Jahns of Cypress; and sister-in-law, Katherine Schoppe of Somerville. Also surviving are 2 grandchildren; Jason Podraza of Houston and his wife Lisa Podraza and Angie Schoeneman of Bryan and her husband Jason Schoeneman and 3 great grandchildren; Lucas Schoeneman, Garrett Schoeneman, and Samuel Podraza, and other loving family including her nieces and nephews and cousins.

Laverna grew up in Lyons, Texas and moved to Pasadena after marrying Melvin. She worked in the Pasadena School District Office as the Secretary to the Secondary School Director. She took great pride in her job and enjoyed working. Laverna was an active member of the Women's Guild at the Zion Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Pasadena. She lived her life as a woman of strong faith and was a good samaritian. Laverna was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother and devoted her life to her family. She has left them with the certainty that her love for them is forever and always.

Laverna thought her greatest legacy was her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a great cook and loved preparing a meal for her family on Sundays. She usually served delicious Texas comfort food followed by lemon cake. She also loved sewing, the outdoors, traveling, and attending a special family reunion in Somerville every Thanksgiving. Because of her German heritage, one of her favorite traditions was attending the Wurstfest in New Braunfels every fall, where she would dance to polka music and enjoy good German food. She was always up for a good time and she lit up a room with her warm smile and contagious laughter.

Active pall bearers: Jason Podraza, Jason Schoeneman, Keith Casey, Howard Elliott, Frank Svrcek and Billy Schoppe. Honorary pall bearers: Lucas & Garrett Schoeneman Samuel Podraza and Steve Jahns.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hudson Creek Alzheimers Special Care Center in Bryan for their devoted care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Laverna Lewis. The website can be found at www.alz.org

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