Charlene Bacchus Lewis

Charlene Bacchus Lewis, 68, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Ochsner Hospital following a courageous battle with the Coronavirus. A native and resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, she was born April 24, 1952 to the late Helen and Herman Bacchus, Sr. Charlene attended St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from John F. Kennedy Senior High School. She furthered her education at Southern University of New Orleans and received specialized training at the Adult Educational Center. Employed by Tulane Medical Center and Kindred Health Care, Charlene was a payroll coordinator until she retired. She was the beloved wife of Purnell A. Lewis, Jr. of 40 years.

In addition to Purnell, Charlene leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life and legacy of family, faith, and love, two daughters Shonnette Lewis of Texas and Arnell Lewis; one son Emmett E. Cheri, III of Texas; three grandsons, Ramon Lewis, Thomas Lewis of Tennessee, and Sean Watson; siblings Allan Bacchus of California and Blane Bacchus, Sr. of Texas; sisters-in-law Hedda Wade, Nina Bacchus, and Rochelle Bacchus and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children, friends and a devoted friend Yolanda Wilson-Stubbs (Bernard), who she considered a sister. Preceding her in death were her parents Helen and Herman Bacchus, Sr.; mother and father-in-law Emelda and Purnell A. Lewis, Sr.; two brothers, Herman Bacchus, Jr. and Dion Bacchus, Sr.; and sister-in-law Anise Bacchus.

Charlene will always be remembered as the family matriarch. She was a vivacious woman who was full of life, and a blessed woman who lived an extradorniary life. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughtfulness, telephone calls, text messages, contributions and special sacrifices made in order to share in our bereavement. A Special thank you to the doctors, nurses and all the medical professionals at Ochsner Hospital Main Campus for the exceptional care given to our loved one. Words cannot express our appreciation for your kindness.

A public visitation will be held Tuesday May 26, 2020 from 09:30 am to 10:00am at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1923 St. Philp St., New Orleans, LA. 70116. Social distancing will be implemented with 10 individuals allowed in at a time. A Private Funeral Service will begin at 10:00am; however, an Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery located at 4000 Norman Mayer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122, family and friends are welcome to attend the graveside service.

NOTE: DUE TO THE MANDATED COVID-19 ORDINANCE, EVERYONE ATTENDING THE VIEWING AND THOSE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRIVATE SERVICE MUST WEAR A FACE COVERING.

Please visit www.heritagefuneraldirectors.com to sign guestbook, leave well wishes, share memories and condolences for the family.

*Flowers are gratefully declined, In Lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Armstrong Family Services at 1015 Henriette Delille St. (504) 899-2995.

Professional Services entrusted to Heritage Funeral Services located at 4101 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117.