Karen L. Lewis

Karen Lavette Lewis was born on October 4, 1967 (Newark New Jersey) to the late Bobby and Dorothy Lewis. She was the fourth of five children. It was May 31, 2020 when God guided her into eternal safety.

Karen grew up and received her education in the Hillside (NJ) public school system. In the year 1985, she not only received her High School Diploma but also her Certification for Motherhood. December 3, 1985 she birthed her one and only child, Inisha Lavette Lewis.

Even with her new bundle of joy, she maintained her determination. Her independence led her to professional experiences with companies such as Higgins Fire Protection, KPMG and PSE&G. However, it was not until 1995 where she finally found her home base at the Township of Hillside: Public Works Department. It was the perfect place for her to do what she did best, give back. Karen served 23 years as a Key Clerk Typist, Clean Communities Coordinator and Recycling Coordinator. 

Karen cared about her community: physically and environmentally. She even became a student at Rutgers University to expand her education in their Recycling Certification Program. Her certified credentials allowed her several opportunities to connect with local schools (Hillside NJ) and educate the youth on the importance of recycling.

Karen was a loving, fun and memorable spirit. She was known to her fellow classmates as “Roc” notable for her strength. To her family: she was known as the protector, the soother and the life of the party. As a faithful member to the First Baptist Church of Hillside (NJ), she was known as a glowing spirit hungry for growth and healing. To her community, she was simply known as the loving spirit who cared about her village’s well-being.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and brother: Bobby (Dorothy) Lewis and Bobby “Kas” Lewis Jr.

She leaves to cherish her legacy: her daughter, Inisha Lewis (Clent Harper) of NJ; siblings, Terri Glover (Al-Lateef Lewis) of NJ, Pamela Hargrove (Billie D. Hargrove Jr.) of NJ, Byron Lewis of NC; a host of nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues and church family.

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