Johnna Morse Lewis

   Johnna Morse Lewis, 55 years old, of Hertford, NC, passed away after a long battle with colon cancer on Monday, April 1st, 2024.

   Johnna was a native of Brunswick, Maine, born on December 18th, 1968; the daughter of the late Roland Morse Jr. and Wilma Hartwell Morse. Johnna grew up in Maine, graduating from Brunswick High School in 1987 and was a part of the cheerleading team and key club. She moved to North Carolina in 1993 where she met her husband of 26 years, David, where they marked the beginning of a shared life filled with love and devotion.

   Here in Hertford, she was a PTA member, active volunteer at the local elementary school, and enjoyed fellowship at Piney Woods Friends Meeting of Belvidere, NC. Johnna carried many roles in her life and had many jobs; she was employed by the City of Elizabeth City (Electricity and Inspections Departments) for years, but the highlight of her “career” was taking the time to stay home to raise her children. During this time, her passion for serving others led her to start a small in-home daycare where she opened her home and heart to several other children. Johnna was an avid reader and enjoyed crafting of all sorts. Recently, she learned to crochet hats. With the hats that she so lovingly made; she then gave to other cancer patients at her treatment center.

   Surviving is her loving husband David Lewis; daughter Trinity Macomber of Maine, son Nicholas Lewis of Hertford, son Bryan Lewis and wife Lindsey of Hertford, step-daughter Saysha Satterfield and husband Jimmy of Elizabeth City, and step-son Dylan Lewis and partner Maggie Farrell of Moyock. Johnna’s love extended to her four grandchildren, Elijah, Lilly, Carter, and Anna Grace, who will remember her as a nurturer, always ready to read them a story. Besides her children/grandchildren, Johnna is survived by her stepmother Lauraine Bernier, sister Deb Bernier and husband Fred, brother Arthur Morse and wife Kim, sister Susan Rutledge, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and countless friends in the community that is now a better place because of her presence.

   Services to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Friday at 3:00 p.m. in Piney Woods Friends Meeting, 118 Piney Woods Road, Belvidere, NC 27919. Following the service, a reception will be held in the fellowship hall of the meeting house.

   Donations in her honor may be made either to the Cancer Fighters Group at the City of Hope Atlanta, Georgia; or to Caring Bridge, the platform that allowed Johnna to blog about her cancer journey; or, lastly, to the Recycled Reader, accredited to Hertford Grammar School.

   Johnna Morse Lewis will be missed beyond measure, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her. Johnna wrote “grief never ends but it changes. Let it be a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. Grief is the price of love. I won’t tell you not to cry for me, but please remember to smile too.”

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.