Latoia Lewis

Latoia Denise Lewis was born in Daly City, CA, on February 14, 1977, to the union of Ralph Edward and Paula Jean Hunter.  She was their first born and a special gift of “Love” on Valentine’s Day. During her formative years Latoia was educated within the San Francisco Unified District, where she attended Fellowship Christian Academy and Commodore Sloat Elementary School.

The Hunter family relocated to Richmond, CA, in 1987, and Latoia continued her education within the Richmond Unified School District where she attended Mira Vista Elementary School, Portola Middle School, and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. While in high school Latoia developed a love of poetry and was an active member in the Poetry Club at John F. Kennedy High School. Latoia was known for her poetry writing and frequently wrote poetry for special occasions, events, and programs. She was often called upon to write and perform pieces of her own writings in church and the community. Because of her love of poetry and the arts she named her daughter after two of her favorite artists Maya Angelou and Nina Simone.

The Hunter family relocated once again, and moved to Goodyear, AZ, in 2004 where Latoia later met the love of her life, Jason Christopher Lewis, in 2011. On November 2, 2013, Latoia Denise and Jason Christopher said, “I do” and began their life together as husband and wife. Latoia and Chris were truly inseparable, they loved spending time together and creating long-lasting memories with family and friends. Their love blossomed and on June 5, 2019, God blessed them with a beautiful baby girl, Maya Simon.  Latoia loved her family dearly and was so proud of being a virtuous wife and a mother.

Latoia had a passion for work and started a career in customer service at United Airlines post high school. Latoia was admired by her colleagues and appreciated by her leaders, and as a result she received a plethora of accolades and achievements during her tenure at United Airlines. Upon relocating to Arizona, Latoia continued her career in customer service and worked at Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, and Cigna Healthcare. Latoia’s years of experience afforded her the opportunity to promote to a leadership position at Cigna Healthcare. Upon acquisition of the leadership role, she was transitioned to New York Life Insurance. Latoia was an awesome employee and a fair, consistent, and dedicated leader. She talked proudly of her team and took pride in her career and leadership role.

At a young age Latoia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was an active member and participated in various ministries of the church. Latoia was a member at Paradise Baptist Church in San Francisco, CA; St. John Baptist Church in Richmond, CA; New Bethel Baptist Church in Rodeo, CA; First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ; and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Buckeye, AZ.  She later reunited with First Institutional Baptist Church where she attended until her day of rest. Latoia was proud to be God’s servant and to spread the good news of Jesus.  She loved to sing, work with women, and young adults.

Latoia was preceded in death by her father, Ralph E. Hunter; aunt, Del “Tee-Tee” Powell; cousins, Minister Earl L. Powell, Jr., and Minister Pope L. Powell.

She leaves to cherish and celebrate her life and memory:  her husband, Jason Christopher Lewis; daughter, Maya Simone Lewis; mother, Pastor Paula J. Hunter; sisters, Shareah Hunter and Tresha Perry; nephew, Hunter Perry; niece, Jordyn Perry; godmother, Kim Stroman; godfather, Raymond Pinkston, Sr.; godbrothers, Raymond Pinkston, II, Ryan Pinkston, and Royce Pinkston; aunt and uncle in love, Janet and Michael Martin; multiple aunts and uncles; best friend, Rev. Kendall Washington, and a host of cousins and friends.

Latoia will always be remembered for her smile, sweet spirit, and the way she could connect with others. She will be missed every day and her memory will stay in the hearts of all of those who loved her.

Services will be held at 11AM, Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the 1st Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona.