C. Vanetta Lewis

C. Vanetta Lewis was born on May 29, 1936, in Canonsburg, PA, and went home to be with her Lord on July 5, 2026. She was the daughter of Samuel E. Bush and Ida Betty Sims. She leaves behind a legacy defined by unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community, as well as a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Vanetta distinguished herself early in life, graduating as the valedictorian of Canonsburg High School's Class of 1954. Her passion for helping others guided her onward to St. Frances School of Nursing, where she earned her RN licensure. She later achieved her BSN degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a testament to her drive for excellence and her commitment to education.

Vanetta continued her education, becoming one of the early Nurse Practitioners. A doctor who was part of her medical team called her "a giant in her field." As one of the first Black certified Family Planning Nurse Practitioners, Vanetta worked for a private physician for more than 25 years, seeing patients in the office on the doctor's surgery days. She often held more than one job and was honored to lend her talents to Planned Parenthood, Pittsburgh-area Women's Health Services, as well as several Pittsburgh hospitals. She was tirelessly dedicated to her craft.

However, her real calling was family, which formed the cornerstone of her world. Vanetta married the love of her life, Marvin R. Lewis, in June of 1957. Until the time of Marvin's death in 2014, the couple was joined at the hip and lived life to the fullest. They raised three children while enjoying spending time with other loved ones. Vanetta and Marvin went on memorable vacations such as cruises with their siblings. They savored days at the beach — a favorite destination — with children and family. Together, the couple loved attending family activities, starting with those of their children: baseball, football and cheerleading — to name a few. That habit continued into the grandchild era, traveling throughout many states to attend t-ball, soccer, football, basketball, lacrosse, cheerleading, prom nights and graduations, all while rarely missing one of their son's home football games. Besides all the family sports they attended, the two were professional tennis aficionados watching on TV and attending the Western and Southern Open countless times. After Marvin's death, Vanetta continued to attend football games and tennis opens, even attending the US Open for the first time at the age of 88 — a joyful memory and a bucket list experience.

Through it all, Vanetta’s faith was central to her life. She was a treasured member of First Baptist Church of McDonald, where she served as a Trustee, and in the church’s Health, Missionary, and Women’s Ministries. Vanetta’s commitment to church extended to her self-appointed pew in the sanctuary. 

Vanetta is lovingly survived by her son, Marvin R. Lewis, Jr. (Peggy), and daughters, Carol Joy Powell (Damon) and Andrea Hamer (Max). Her legacy continues in her grandchildren: Whitney Lewis Fancher (Cory), Marcus Lewis, Samantha Powell, Brittany Wideman (Chance), Taylor Powell, Reece Powell, Gabbi Berneburg (Seth), and Ajay Hamer (Irania), along with seven great-grandchildren. Each of these loved ones carries forward memories of Vanetta’s compassion, steadfastness and loving spirit.

She is now reunited in Glory with her husband Marvin R. Lewis, Sr., her brother, Samuel Busch, and her sisters, Shirley Smith and Mary Young, who preceded her in death.

Vanetta's family would like to thank her incredible medical team — doctors who were both caring and vigilant about her health. The family is also grateful for all those who watched out for her and asked about her health, namely her tablemates, the concierge staff and the resident community of Harmony Independent Living. She was also cared for by the staff of Advanced Home Health and Powerback Rehabilitation — a very special thank you to caregivers Latoia and Kylie. In addition, the family is grateful to the personal care staff of Heritage Valley Senior Living who were accepting and attentive to her for the short time that she was there.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Services, 218-220 East Lincoln Ave., McDonald, PA 15057, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Additional visitation will take place at First Baptist Church of McDonald, 141 North McDonald Street, McDonald, PA 15057, on Monday, July 13, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 14, at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church Capital Fund Campaign.

Vanetta will be remembered for her feisty spirit, her generous heart, her devotion to her calling, and her unwavering faith. Her presence, wisdom and love will be dearly missed by all who knew her, yet her influence will continue to inspire and guide those whose lives she touched.