Terri Michelle Lewis

Terri Michelle Lewis, a dedicated servant of the Lord, was born the second-to-youngest child of parents Charles A. Lewis Sr. & Josephine (Finley) Lewis on April 27, 1956, in Kansas City, MO. She was affectionately known by a few nicknames, “Chelle”, “Mimi,” or simply Terri-Michelle. She would always lovingly respond to you with her sincere voice. Terri was the family historian and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of family stories and genealogy research.

She attended Phillis Wheatley Elementary School from Kindergarten to 6th grade. Terri-Michelle, as her classmates would refer to her, would later recall how, even at a young age, she showed an interest in history and research. She enjoyed playing kickball on the playground with her friends and helping out wherever needed. Her strong bonds with her classmates were maintained throughout her adulthood. Terri-Michelle’s love for music started at an early age while taking vocal lessons from Zella Mae Moten Dance Studio. Her tenor voice always had a song to sing. Whether it was a gospel tune or a soulful Smokey Robinson song. Terri-Michelle loved sharing her gift of music with the world.

She had a naturally giving spirit and learned at an early age the importance of civic engagement through her participation as a Brownie and Girl Scout member. She enjoyed attending Girl Scout Summer Camp with her neighborhood friends. Before the start of middle school, the Kansas City School District redistricted her neighborhood. This decision would have resulted in Terri-Michelle’s older brother leaving Central for Lincoln. The family decided to use their aunt’s address so he could remain at Central, which was a closer walk to school. Terri-Michelle wanted to follow in her big brother’s footsteps and attend Central Junior. So, her friends from elementary school ended up attending Central or Lincoln. Terri-Michelle maintained her connection with her school friends at Lincoln and was often involved in supporting their activities throughout the years.

She would later go on to attend Central Senior High School and become an active and proud Central Blue Eagle of the class of 1974. She was the Treasurer of the Declaratives- a political school organization, an Assistant Sports Editor for the Centralian-the school’s newspaper, a member of Youth Congress, Junior Achievement, Pep Club, Glee Club, Science Club, and Explores.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age and was a good and faithful member of Pleasant Green Baptist Church. Terri-Michelle took on many ministries of the church over the years. She started as the secretary of the Sunday School Department under the late superintendent, Deacon Everett Donaldson. She did not take on any position lightly. She was an extraordinarily strong tenor in the Majestic Choir, which was composed of the young adults of the church. During the Centennial Celebration, a choir was formed for this celebration, which she had no hesitation in joining. Later, the Maranatha Choir evolved from the Centennial Choir, and she became a devoted member. She participated in the Baptist Training Union and every summer in Vacation Bible School, where, at one time, she was the Director. You would also observe her on the third Sunday of the month serving as an Usher.

She was an active community leader in several organizations. She was extremely passionate about advocating for black education and excellence. She has served as a board member of the Central Alumni Educational Foundation since 2002 and as Treasurer since July 2021. Terri-Michelle was a Life Member of Blacks in Government (BIG), Greater KC Chapter, since 2003; a 2011 graduate of the Darlene H. Young Leadership Academy (DYLA), Blacks in Government, Region VII. She served as the Customer Service Committee Chair of the BIG National Training Conference in 2010, held in KC, MO. She was a Silver Life Member of the Johnson County Branch of the NAACP since 2011.

Terri joined the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group as a member and loved sharing new information about black history with family and friends. You could always count on her to email or call you about the latest upcoming events in the community. She also served as an election judge for the KC, MO Board of Elections. Terri-Michelle loved supporting all things related to the “Class of 1974"; she was a founding member and served as Treasurer of the Old School Reunion Committee (OSRC)- a class reunion alumni group comprised of alumni from Central, Lincoln, Manual, and Southeast. Terri-Michelle served as the Central High School Blue Eagles Class of 1974 Communication Liaison for over thirty years, and her expertise was used as a class Liaison/Historian.

Terri-Michelle worked in the Federal government for over 39 years and retired from the General Services Administration (GSA) as an Accounting Technician in December of 2023. She was passionate about studying family genealogy and spent countless hours over the years at the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence, MO, researching family history. On April 15, 2026, Terri-Michelle transitioned from her earthly home to her eternal heavenly reward.

She’s preceded in death by her parents, Charles A. Lewis Sr. and Josephine (Finley) Lewis.

Terri-Michelle is survived by her sister, Dorothy Hawkins of Kansas City, MO, brother, Charles Lewis Jr. of Kansas City, MO, sister, Jannis Lewis of Raytown, MO.  brother, Robert (Robbie) Lewis of Kansas City, MO, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends