Rachel Walker Lewis, was born to Tom Walker and Emma Kate Daniels Walker on August 13, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rachel, the youngest of nine children, was preceded in death by her parents and her eight siblings. As a child Rachel along with her family, were faithful members of the Church of God and Saints of Christ under the Leadership of Pastor S.W.P. Harper. Her belief in the seventh day Sabbath fostered and lead her to the Seventh Day Adventist Church where she fellowshipped for many years. As Rachel's spiritual journey continued, it cultivated into the belief that we are all one with God. This awakening led her to the New Thought Unity Church where she worshipped until her passing. Rachel's formal education was rooted in the Cincinnati Public School system. She attended Harriet Beacher Stowe Junior High school. At the time of her 9th grade graduation, Rachel was a straight "A" student. She then attended Woodward High School where she continued to excel graduating at the top of her class. In following her heart to serve those in need in 1966 Rachel completed her nursing studies and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) moving on to major in Elementary Education and Journalism at the University of Cincinnati. Most of Rachel's nursing career was spent at General Hospital (University of Cincinnati Medical Center) in the Labor and Delivery Unit. After leaving the nursing profession, Rachel was employed by the Call and Post where she was a reporter tasked with writing editorial regarding events of interest within the city of Cincinnati. As if that was not enough Rachel successfully worked in sales as an agent with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co and with Mulligan Water Home Treatment systems. As an advocate for social justice for all, Rachel diligently worked with many national and local organizations. As the Vice-President of the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP, Rachel co-hosted the television show NAACP Presents which aired on Sunday mornings. She was a member of the Urban League and faithfully worked on local and national election campaigns. Throughout her recent illness Rachel was involved in community canvassing and voter registration. Rachel was an active member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Operation PUSH and many others organizations. In 1981 Rachel along with her Husband Richard Wallace Lewis (deceased) whom she warmly regarded as " the love of my life", founded the Cincinnati Community Academy a K through 8th grade school which focused on excellence in the classroom and in life skills. When questioning Rachel about her greatest achievement in life she would always say "my eight children". Emma Jean Walker Kelley (Robert-deceased), William Walker, Michael Walker (Ramona), June Ann Walker (deceased), Arnold Stenson (deceased), Dwight Scott Stenson (Nicole), Regina Denise Stenson Wallace (Keith), Sylvia Giselle Stenson. Rachel was blessed with 27 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and a host of great-great grandchildren. Rachel's unmistakable presence whether it was as a Nurse, Reporter, Educator, Restaurant Owner (Rachel's BBQ & Soul), Health & Wellness Coach, Mother, Aunt, Friend, Activist or partner on the dance floor will be missed by many throughout the city of Cincinnati. Those lives that were influenced, mentor and guided will forever remember and carry on her legacy. Rachel Walker Lewis, transitioned at 8:00AM Monday morning February 6, 2017 at the Drake Vitas Hospice Unit. Goodbye Momma, you were one of a kind, a show stopper always beating the odds; a class act. Visitation is from 10:00 am until 10:30 am, on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at the New Thought Unity Center, 1401 E. McMillan, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 10:30 am. To share a memory of Rachel or leave a special message for the Lewis family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Lewis family.

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