Vivian Lewis

Vivian Patricia Lewis, compassionately known to family and friends as Pat, was born through the union of the late Gabriel Hammonds, Jr. and Thelma Hercules Jenkins Hammonds, on October 6, 1946 in Mt. Vernon, NY. From this marriage, Pat was the second of four children: Cynthia, Pat, Kenneth and Carolyn.

Pat attended Nathan Hale Elementary School in Mt. Vernon, NY, Washington Jr. High School, and Mt. Vernon High School (MVHS). In 1962, at the age of 16, her mother passed away. Despite the loss of her mother, Pat graduated from MVHS in 1964 and attended Hunter College in Bronx, NY. Pat, who was bright and vivacious, blossomed into a dedicated and loving woman of virtue.

Subsequent to the loss of her mother, her father Gabriel married the late Rebecca Rush of Olanta, SC and relocated to Florence, SC. Pat’s love for family bloomed as she embraced her new siblings: Jasper, Walter and Artis. Via the union of Gabriel and Rebecca, two additional siblings were born: Jennifer and Kimberli. Pat loved her family!

On August 18, 1969, she married George Lewis, Jr. of New York City and relocated to Staten Island, NY where they raised five children: Raenette Laurice, Darian Ladellé, Jemal Cameron, Danté Neisone and Ade Lateef. They frequently traveled to South Carolina to visit her family.

Pat’s unconditional love for her family was endless. As a dedicated wife and mother of five, Pat worked tirelessly to nurture a culture of love and unity. Pat unselfishly embraced and nurtured extended family that she shared her time and love with; all the while demonstrating a work ethic that was legendary.

Over the years, she was employed by All State Insurance Company in White Plains, NY and worked as a tailor at Sam’s Tuxedo Shop while attending modeling school where she became a lingerie model. No stranger to hard work, Pat used her Saturdays to work a second job at Genung’s Department store. Pat also worked as a dental assistant/secretary for Dr. Irving McCaine, Jr. in Mt. Vernon, NY.

In Staten Island, she worked for Chase Manhattan Bank. Subsequent to this, she embarked upon a lengthy career with the New York City Transit Authority where she ascended the ranks from token booth clerk to one of the system’s first female train operators. Pat’s ambition led her to new heights in the historically male dominated field of installing train rails by becoming the first woman to operate the work train known as “Big Bertha”.

Pat later accepted a position as train dispatcher followed by transit supervisor. In 2009, after 30 years of service, Pat retired from the New York City Transit Authority. She was celebrated for her professional achievements by receiving numerous awards for her commitment and service to the NYCTA.

Vivian Patricia Lewis departed this life on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in Florence, South Carolina. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gabriel Hammonds, Jr., Thelma Hercules Jenkins Hammonds and Rebecca Rush Hammonds; a brother, Kenneth Gabriel Hammonds; and two brother in-laws, Earle Roberts and Rev. James Council.

Vivian Patricia Lewis is survived by her husband of the home, George Lewis, Jr. of over 50 years; five children: Raenette L. (Darrell) Stovall, Darian L. Lewis, Jemal C. Lewis, Ade L. Lewis all of Staten Island, NY and Dr. Danté N. (Patricia) Lewis, MD of Elon, North Carolina; siblings: Cynthia Hammonds of North Las Vegas, NV, Jasper Johnson of Florence, SC, Walter (Geneva) Fleming, Jr. of Moncks Corner, SC, Carolyn Hammonds of Florence, SC, Artis Council of Columbia, SC, Jennifer (Roston) Singletary of Charleston, SC and Kimberli (Carl) Hammonds-Hite of Woodstock, MD; 12 grandchildren: Shaquawna, Jemal II (Dieema), Jermaine, Katora (Newton), Katon, Zaréya, Alayshia, Amaya, Zephan, Akai, Aiden, and Zander; 6 great-grandchildren: Ruel III, Charon Jr., Leandra, Ka’mya, Cameron and Michelle; a host of nieces, nephews, God-children, adoptive children, aunts, uncles, family and friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jackson-McGill Funeral Home in Marion, SC and Harmon Funeral Home in Staten Island, NY. A private Celebration of Life Service for the immediate family will be held in South Carolina on June 5, 2020 at 1:00PM. At her request, Vivian Patricia Lewis will be laid to rest alongside her mother. A graveside service will be held at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York on June 17, 2020 (departing from Harmon Funeral Home at 9:30AM). The family thanks you for your continued prayers and support during this hour of reflection. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Pat’s honor payable to: The Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute (RMTI) at Mount Sinai IN MEMORIAM: Vivian Patricia Lewis 5 East 98th Street - 12th Floor New York, NY 10029 212-731-RMTI (7684)