willie lewis
1917-1917
Life Story
Willie Lewis was born on April 4, 1917, in the small, close-knit community of Altare, Newton County, Mississippi—a place known for its rolling farmland, deep family roots, and enduring faith. He was the son of Hiram Lewis (1894–?) and Adeline Beal Lewis (1898–1917), a young couple whose lives were deeply intertwined with the history of the Altare community.
Tragedy struck at the very beginning of Willie’s life. Shortly after his birth, his mother, Adeline, passed away from complications of eclampsia, a serious condition that claimed the lives of many women during childbirth in the early 20th century. Left in the care of his grieving father, Willie’s brief time on earth was filled with the love and protection of family members who did all they could for the fragile infant.
Sadly, on September 7, 1917, at just five months old, Willie passed away from colitis, an illness that often affected infants during a time when medical care and sanitation were limited in rural communities. His father, Hiram, served as the informant on the death certificate—a solemn duty that reflected both his heartbreak and his devotion.
Though the exact location of Willie’s burial is not known, it is believed that he rests near his mother and family in or around the Altare community, among generations of kin whose lives together tell a story of love, endurance, and faith.
Though his life was brief, Willie’s story endures as a tender reminder of the preciousness of life and the strength of a family that endured both great joy and great sorrow.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
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