LaWanna Lewis

LaWanna Joy Lewis, 62, of Lake Charles passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2025.

LaWanna was born October 15, 1962 to Wilbur Eugene Hartsell and Doris Upton Hartsell in St. Louis, MO. She was raised in Kansas City and New Florence, MO and was a graduate of a small Christian school. She has lived nearly twenty years in Lake Charles. She worked her younger years at Truck Stops and Fuel Centers. She later began Business studies. LaWanna then began her cross-country journey as a Truck Driver. She worked her later years at the Hotel Industry in housekeeping and as a Desk Clerk. She began driving for Lyft two years ago.

An avid reader, she was a member of multiple book clubs. She also enjoyed watching movies, collecting Harry Potter videos, playing online games, card games and board games. She especially enjoyed visiting flea markets and loved to cook. Her greatest joy was sharing these times with friends that came to be her extended family. LeWanna had a kind, selfless and generous nature, always giving to others before herself. She was a member of VFW Post 2130 where she was the secretary. She found great joy in supporting the Military Men and Women overseas and in sending cards and care packages to brighten their spirit.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Wilbur Eugene Hartsell, Jr. of New Florence, MO; sister, Crystal Lynne Hartsell of Shelbyville, TN; nephews, Curtis Thompson, Jake Tompson, Andrew Hartsell, Scott Cudnik and Brian Cudnik; nieces Carrie Egly and Kisha Meek; three aunts and numerous cousins and her dear friends, Vicki Bailey, Clifford Bailey, Richard Bailey, Tammy Bailey Johnson and Elmer Ray Cart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Tammy Jo Hartsell and nephew, Matthew Cudnik.

LaWanna’s family and friends gathered at the VFW Post 2130 for a Service of Remembrance in her honor at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 19, 2025 with hopes of finding some measure of comfort in sharing some of their favorite memories. Interment services were a private gathering at Highland Memory Gardens.

Memorial donations may be made to her family.