Venita Dade Lewis

Venita Dade Lewis, 73, entered eternal rest on December 2, 2025. She was born on July 2, 1952, in Algoma, West Virginia, the tenth of fourteen children to Alexander and Ora Dee (Parker) Dade. In 1954, she and her family settled in Columbus, Ohio.

Venita graduated from South High School in 1971, already clear about her calling to teach. She earned a Future Teachers of America award and carried that passion into her studies at Kent State University. There, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. During her years at Kent, she also joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, proudly embracing the values of scholarship, service, and sisterhood that remained central throughout her life.

Venita dedicated 34 years to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District with certifications in Special Education K–12 and Elementary Education K–6. She taught at Margaret Ireland and MLK High School and throughout her career, also served as a home instruction educator. She met students wherever they were; in classrooms, homes, and everything in between. Venita’s care for others extended far beyond the workday. A devoted Christian and member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Cleveland, she lived her faith through genuine acts of service. She visited the elderly in nursing homes and showed up for others with a steady, dependable presence. Generous and trustworthy, she would give her last to help anyone in need. Venita was also an avid reader, a collector of Black art, a joyful bargain hunter, and enjoyed long walks outside.

Venita’s greatest pride was her family. She and her husband raised their daughters, with deep love and purpose. She contributed to a childhood grounded in faith, education, and unwavering support. Venita poured everything she had into shaping her girls into strong, confident, grounded women. When Venita became a grandmother, it was one of the greatest joys of her life. She wanted to be called “Big Mama”, honoring the legacy of her own grandmother. As Big Mama, she embraced her role as the matriarch, creating memories filled with warmth, comfort, humor, and unconditional love.

Venita is preceded in death by her parents; Alexander and Ora Dee Dade; her brothers; Robert, Eddie, Jeffery and George Dade, and sisters; Ella Louise Wright, and Betty Arnold. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Kyla (Omar) Mitchell and Kristen (Eric) Jefferson; her grandchildren Kyra, Kyen, Kyle, Kylé, MaKayden, and Ezekiel; her sisters Elouise Burke, Ora (Huey) White, and Diane Dade Orr; her brothers James, Clarence (Marvella), Will (Sheila), and Elder DeWayne Dade; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorors, and friends who loved her deeply.

Venita’s life was a testament to faith, generosity, and unwavering love. She poured into her family, her students, her friends, and her community with a steady heart. Though her presence will be missed, her legacy lives on in the people she leaves behind. And in her own words, “Always keep God in your front pocket, and me in your back.” A reminder that God walks before you, guiding your steps, and she will remain close to you in spirit, wherever you go.