The offsprings of Catherine Harrell Lewis

Children and Grandchildren of 
Catherine Lewis Harrell

Catherine Lewis Harrell was the oldest child of Jasper Leon Harrell, Sr., and Josephine Doretha Richardson Harrell.  Amite Color School was the school where she was educated. She moved to Violet, Louisiana after marrying Ernest Lewis, Sr. The majority of her life was spent in New Orleans and Amite, Louisiana, where she raised her children. "She was called Cat by her family members most of the time. Catherine was known for her tasty home-cooked meals. Her infectious smile made her a beloved figure in her family. 

Every summer I went to New Orleans and spent a week with her and my cousins. I recall most vividly the house she lived in when she lived on Gov. Nicholls and Touro Street. On Touro Street, she lived down the street from Caruso's, the local corner store. Her home was between Urquhart and Marais Streets. We walked to that corner store for our favorite treats. That was the first time I tried Big Shot Pineapple and Giant Cola sodas. A nice cold soda and a bag of potato chips was our treat for the evening. 

When the children were growing up in New Orleans, they all got dressed to go outside to play, riding their bikes and skating around. Occasionally, me and my cousins would walk to the frozen cup lady's house and buy cool sweets. After a slow walk back home, I watched the other children play "cool can" with anticipation of participating in the game myself before the street lights came on. As soon as the street lights came on, every child knew what it meant. It was time to go inside. These memories instilled in me a deep sense of community and family togetherness. They taught me the importance of simple pleasures and the joy that comes from shared experiences. Growing up with these traditions has left a lasting impact on my values and the way I cherish relationships today. Spending time with my cousins was very nice. It really made me want to have a large family. Catherine's family was the largest of Jasper and Josephine.

Left to Right: James Lewis, Darren Lewis, Alvin Lewis and 
Tomekia Bergeron Diamond

She had fourteen children. Her children and grandchildren have all achieved great success in their careers. Several of her children left the Deep South and made the East and West Coast their home. Elaine, her daughter once lived in Japan with her family. Darren and his family travel extensively domestically and internationally. She has a son who is a renowned chef and has traveled around the world as well.

Many of her grandchildren have achieved great success. I am sure she would have been proud of her family. Her legacy lives on through the achievements and principles of her descendants. Her offspring wore purple t-shirts for the family reunion. The purple t-shirts symbolized unity and a shared heritage among the family members. The matching attire served as a visual reminder of the family's deep connection and the values she instilled in them. I enjoy seeing all my cousins again. It brought back so many childhood memories. 

Tomekia Bergeron Diamond and her older sister
Elaine Lewis Daniels.