Mary Louise Thornton Lewis, Louise, Mama Lou and Gaga to so many, slipped peacefully into eternal rest Sunday, June 4, 2023. She was born March 4, 1934, to the late Walker, Sr. and Mary Thornton. Preceding her in death are her husband, Curtis Lewis, Sr.; siblings, Walker, Jr. and William Thornton, Beatrice Johnson, Lucille Henry and Evelyn Holman.

Louise was educated in the Hanover County Public School System. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Shiloh Baptist Church, Ashland, Virginia. Later moving her membership to Providence Baptist Church, Ashland, Virginia to worship with her husband. She started her career in Domestic Services. She retired as a Unit Secretary from Sheltering Arms Hospital.

Affectionately known as Gaga throughout Berkleytown, she and her beloved Barney shared the recipe for love throughout the neighborhood by showing up and guiding all those they encountered. One of her favorite pastimes was playing BINGO and she would often go with her children and grandchildren – who loved it as much as she did. She loved listening to music, was rarely seen without her crossword book and was an avid watcher of the Game Show Network. She showed up for her family in many ways, but one of the best ways was through her cooking. Her home was a place where anyone could come over and get a delicious meal and sit in the yard for hours. During the last few years of her life, she didn't speak much and yet, even in failing health she remembered the importance of love. The two words that remained constant were "Hi" and "I Love You" – with that ever-loving smile. That smile she wore created a quietness that was a comfort to us all.

Left to cherish her memory, three daughters, Sandra DeBorous (Enos), Sharon Lawrence (Samuel), and Shelia Straus; one son, Curtis, Jr. and bonus daughter Paula Green; sister-in-law, Tina Tillman; seventeen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; extended family, Eddie, Charles, Tyrone, Ronnie and Betty Burley, Bessie Miller, Diane Tarrer, Deacon Thomas and Matthew Folly; a host of other family members and friends.