Lewis remembered as 'a light for her colleagues'

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week.
The St. Mary Catholic School family received an outpouring of love from the community as it suffered a tragic loss.
St. Mary Catholic School preschool teacher Lillis Lott Lewis died following an April 12 house fire. Lewis, 67, had been a member of the St. Mary family since August 2014 and was “the true definition of a Catholic school teacher” according to St. Mary principal Debbie Ollis. 
“Lillis Lewis was a talented, generous teacher who brought out the best in her students,” Ollis said. “She worked with every child as if they were the only child. Lillis recognized each child’s individual gifts. She instilled self-confidence and promoted respect and love of neighbor. Lillis was a light for her colleagues.”
Ollis added: “It is hard to describe in a few sentences what Lillis meant to all of us. She was so vibrant, funny and optimistic. She really loved all of us and we really loved her.”
Grief counselors were at the school April 14 to meet with both students and faculty. 
Lillis was predeceased by her husband, Phil, her sister, Sally Lott O'Neill, and her granddaughter, Charlotte Phillips Hocutt. She is survived by  her three children: Phil Lewis (Rachel), Lott Lewis and Mary Shannon Hocutt (Hunter); her siblings: Tiny McPhillips (Manning), Thom Lott (Linda), Bay Lott (Jeannie), and Annette Dukes (Richard); her three grandchildren: Laura Haynes Lewis, Mary Nell Lewis and James Hunter Hocutt; nieces and nephews who were more like siblings and children; countless great nieces and great nephews; and many close friends. A Memorial Mass was April 17 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Mary Catholic School (107 North Lafayette Street, Mobile, AL 36604); the Firefighters Foundation Fund (701 St. Francis Street, Mobile, AL 36602); or the Neonatal Unit at USA Health Children's and Women's Hospital (650 Clinic Drive, TRP III, Suite 1500 Mobile, AL 36688).