Betty J. Lewis, age 94, formerly of Glen Ellyn, passed away April 26, 2021. She was born April 16, 1927 in Chicago to Edmond & Frances Lyons.

On April 26, 2021 the Lewis family lost its most beloved matriarch, Betty Jane Lewis, 94 years old. Betty, a 40- year Glen Ellyn and Geneva resident lived a long and fruitful life. Her life, as her family knows it, began on June 8, 1947 when she married her high school sweetheart, Elmer Lewis Sr. (deceased in 1981). Within six years she became mother to three boys. She now leaves three sons, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

The best way to describe Betty is "MOTHER". This was the biggest role in her life. Her sons remember her as the one who delivered a bundle of kisses when they were young, stern advice (the "drill sergeant") when they were teenagers and vocational guidance when they entered college.
While she was a mother first and foremost, Betty lived a very colorful life as she managed a large family. Betty was a model, dancer, disk jockey, singer, community relations manager, congressional candidate, law student and paralegal. Her lifetime endeavors include the following:
· Late 1940s - fashion model for "Jet "and "Ebony" magazines, two prominent African -American publications.
· Mid 1950s - toured with an Afro Cuban dance troupe during the "calypso" age, appearing at Florida's Fontainebleu Luxury Hotel and various nightclubs across the U.S.
· Late 1950s – Radio host at WBEE, a popular radio station at the time.
· 1960s - Singer. She studied with an opera voice coach for seven years but never made any commercial appearances.
· 1970s – Community Relations Manager for NBC and the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, where she spearheaded the "Youth Motivation Program" which sent business speakers to Chicago inner city high schools.
· 1990s – ran for the state senate representing DuPage county.
· Late 1990s- attended law school. Completed paralegal program.

Betty has always been a strong Christian. But during the 90's she whole heartedly gave herself to Christ. In 1994 she visited the holy land and walked along the street that was once the home of Christ. When she returned from Israel she began painting Christian murals, oil paintings and water colors. She had always been an excellent artist (just another one of her talents). So in her twilight years she resumed painting for comfort and relaxation.

Betty Lewis will be missed by her sons and grandchildren. We all know that she is at a better place. A place that she consistently spoke about. A place that she looked forward to going one day. A place that would be her final resting spot. Her place with the Lord.

She is survived by her three sons Elmer Pete (Barbara), Bernard (Carmen) & Tony (Maria) Lewis; her grandchildren Peete (Roshonda), Brenda, Julio (Leah), Amy (Pavel) Solyak, Michelle (Corey) Bennett, Gina (Michael) Catalano, Genevieve Lewis-Medina, Aurelio Lewis, Ninette (Jeff) Voiles, & Rosette (Will) Ochoa. Also survived by her 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother Edmond Lyons, Jr.

A private service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Trinity Broadcasting Network, PO Box 316, Fort Worth, TX 76161.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.