Malinda B. Lewis, born to Rosa Clark Brown and Willie Allen Brown on November 26, 1923, in Birmingham, Alabama, gained her heavenly wings on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. She passed peacefully at a Hospice facility in Toledo, Ohio.

Malinda moved to Toledo, Ohio, in 1959 to pursue her professional career. She was passionate about education and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Alabama State University and Bowling Green State University, respectively. She was a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Although earning her degrees when she did, it was a rarity for a woman of color to pursue such degrees; Malinda’s determination and dedication would not let her give up. She spent 30+ years of service at Toledo Public Schools, where she was a teacher, and later in her career, she became the Dean of Girls at Wait HS.

Malinda accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for many years. Family was the foundation of who she was, and she spent as much time as she could bonding with immediate and extended family members. Malinda was the family historian and one of the Clark/Forrest Family Reunion founding members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Rosa and Will Brown, brother: William James Brown; husband John Henry Lewis Sr; Son: Earnest C. Carter; Sisters: Dr. Equilla Bradford, Minnie Lois Breland, and Georgia Mae Johnson. Left to cherish her memories are her daughter; Sandra Brown Williams; son: John Henry Lewis Jr., grand-daughters: Angela (Marc I) Loving, Vandra (George II) Robinson; grand-son: Severn Brown Sr; great-grandchildren: Marc II and Malinda Loving, George III and Gabriel Robinson, Marylee Morrin, Severn Jr, Lewis, and Jordana Brown; great-great-granddaughter Raylin Macklin.

We would also like to acknowledge the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were near and dear to her heart.

Malinda will be remembered for her signature grey streak in her hair, fashionable style, and stately demeanor that inspired respect and admiration from all those who came in contact with her.