Cleveland Councilwoman Fannie Lewis Dies at 82

Ward #7 (Hough) Councilwoman, Fannie Lewis died this morning. She had been in and out of the hospital since September. Lewis, born in Memphis, had made Cleveland her since 1951 and was a councilwoman since 1980. She was indefatigable in her support of the city. When in 1966, her Hough neighborhood erupts in violence, she strove to keep order. When that same neighborhood was being denied the right to vote in 2004 with long lines and no ballots, she took to the phones until the situation was righted. Those are but two examples of her efforts during her many years of service to the city.

Said Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson of Ms. Lewis, "The city has lost an outstanding public servant. Councilmember Fannie Lewis loved the city. She believed in the people and she worked hard for them. This is a tremendous loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and everyone she touched."

Governor Strickland issue a statement saying, "I am saddened to learn of the loss of Fannie Lewis, a truly great Clevelander. I had the (good) fortune to meet Fannie multiple times. She is a special person who stood witness to so many events in her life. Through the turbulent times and the tranquil times, she always worked tirelessly on behalf of her community. Those who knew her and benefited from her hard work will grieve her passing while remembering and celebrating the greatness of her life."

Ms. Lewis had five children and 19 grandchildren.

Lewis' efforts during the 2004 election were the subject of the film by Cleveland Heights filmmaker, Laura Paglin, "No Umbrellas," which was screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006.

^{(photo courtesy of Laura Paglin)}