Cora S. Parker Lewis, 99, died at the family farm in Natural Bridge on Oct. 8, 2023.

CORA LEWIS

She was affectionately called “Mommamoo” by family and friends for the past 50 years. Cora was born in Arnolds Valley on Aug. 5, 1924, to Walter W. and Grace Austin Parker.

She attended Palmer School and then Effinger High School, graduating as salutatorian of her class. She began her varied career as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse during World War II. During this time, she met her future husband in a radio repair shop. She and Johnny Lewis were married in the Broad Creek Manse on March 30, 1945. They lived on his family farm where she honed her culinary skills ‒ that is, she learned how to make biscuits and gravy. She became a phenomenal cook with her “Mommamoo breakfasts” becoming legendary.

Even before multitasking was a concept, Cora successfully juggled home, work, and family. She was employed as a twister at the James Lee factory, a clothing store manager in Lexington, and retired from Grand Piano Furniture as a credit manager.

Cora and Johnny were quite active in their empty nest years traveling around the country in their camper. They both bowled in a Staunton league until their early 90s. Cora loved sports, especially college football and the Atlanta Braves.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 60 years and a member of High Bridge Presbyterian Church.

She was predeceased by her husband of 75 years, John Robert Lewis; a daughter, Wanda Lewis Munoz; and a sister, Alma Gallagher.

She is survived by her daughter, Penny Lewis Showalter; her son, John Robert “Bobby” Lewis; a sister, Dolis Nuckols; a grandson, Brian Adams; and great-grandchildren, Ashley, Luke and Banks Adams.

The family is appreciative of the excellent care that Mary Eggleston, Marlanesa Eggleston, Ann Shepherd, Deidre Axelrod, Tiffany Dame and Paige Campbell gave Mommamoo over the last two years of her life. Special thanks also to the entire Hospice team who helped us through this transition.

A memorial service will be held at High Bridge Presbyterian Church on Friday, Nov. 3, at 1 pm.