Lois C Simons

The meekest woman in the world has died. Lois C. Simons, 74, lovingly known as "Lady Simons" of Waldon, MO, was born November 17, 1948, and died on February 25, 2023. Even in death, Lois was gracious, donating a liver to a fortunate recipient whose life she saved a day after her own death. Lois' legacy will live on, not only in the life she saved, but also in the many lives she touched.

Lois grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. The compassion she showed others in life was born of early strife, growing up mostly in foster care. Lois' sympathy was shaped, in part, by the many childhood years spent with her deaf foster brother, Johnny. She graduated with honors from Sumner High School in 1966, as a track superstar who could run like the wind. Lois then ran track on a scholarship and graduated from Emporia State University, where she met her future husband, Wesley C. Lewis, Sr., also a track star.

In 1970, Lois married Wesley C. Lewis, Sr. Growing up in foster care, she was sensitive to the plight of children without present, loving parents. Lois, therefore, wanted lots of kids of her own to shower with love. So, she and Wesley Sr. were blessed with five children!

From the early 70s, for more than 20 years, Lois was an educator who shaped young minds of all ages, from kindergartners to high school seniors in the Olathe, Bonner, and Wyandotte county school districts. She also deftly taught special education and Montessori students. Lois felt anyone could learn and could do so at an early age too. She spent countless hours teaching her children their ABCs and other skills even before they entered school. Although Lois and Wesley, Sr. were highly skilled educators, they still often struggled to make ends meet on teacher's salaries very unequal to their peers. Yet, Lois stressed that you can, and should, still be smart, educated, and well-spoken, regardless of your economic situation. Hence, scholarly progeny were her pride and joy.

Lois was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witness in 1973. Her faith was the primary thread woven throughout her life thereafter. Lois' beliefs shaped her character. She found answers to questions like: Does God care about foster kids? Why is there so much suffering in the world? How can anyone be genuinely happy? Those answers drew Lois close to God and molded her into a meek, appreciative, gentle, loving, wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved horses and all God's creations. Lois once sobbed because she'd stepped on a bug not long after contemplating how God created all living things. Although softspoken, Lois' singing voice turned many heads in her congregation. Lois didn't like the limelight and her voice would soften almost to a whisper if too many people leaned in close to listen. But if you could find the right spot next to her to listen when she wasn't aware of you. . .Ohhh could she sing. Lois loved to create jewelry.

Eager to share her faith with others, Lois spent a lifetime preaching to others. After retiring from teaching, she often volunteered to spend her free time teaching Bible truths to others. Not surprisingly, coming from her educated background, she learned an almost obscure language, called Chuukese, when she was 70 years old! She conquered the daunting task of learning the language because she heard there was a need to preach to native Chuukese speakers in their own language. Lois proved you are not only never too young to learn, but also. . . never too old.

Lois is preceded in death by her foster brother Johnny and her son Jabari Lewis.

Lois leaves to cherish her memories; four children, Wesley Lewis Jr., Valorie Lewis, Jelani Lewis, Jamil Lewis; seven grandchildren, Monique Lewis, Leitia Edwards, Melissa Knox, Sarah Rivas, Shi'Lay Lewis, Jelani Lewis, Jr., and Jai-Shel Lewis; five great grandchildren, Te'Onna, T.J., Jaylen, Semiyah, and Aaliyah; and lots of extended family and dear friends.

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