Joshelle Lewis Obituary (1956-2026) · Salem, New Jersey, United...

Celebration of Life

Joshelle Fishun Lewis was born on February 26, 1956 in Cleveland, Ohio and Departed this life on Monday, January 12, 2026 at the Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale, Ga.

Joshelle was the daughter of the late Elder Betty J. Lewis, and the late Henry J. Lewis, of Salem, New Jersey.

Joshelle was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 26th, 1956 to the late Elder Betty J. Lewis and the late Henry J. Lewis. She was raised in a close-knit, faith-filled household alongside her siblings Donna, Darryl, Victoria, and Robin.

In 1959, her family moved to Salem, New Jersey, where she spent much of her formative years and became deeply rooted in the community.

Joshelle attended both Sunday School and Worship Services regularly at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, in Salem, under the late Reverend White and The late Reverend Ollice Bates, where she confessed, accepted, and received Jesus Christ at an early age. Later in life, her mother was ordained into the Ministry and became Joshelle’s Pastor and spiritual advisor.Joshelle continued to confess her faith and lean on Jesus throughout her lifetime.

Joshelle grew up on Davis Avenue in Salem and remained life long friends with all Davis Avenue families.

Joshelle was educated in the Salem City School District. During her high school years, she was an active and determined student and an outstanding and accomplished Student Athlete. She proudly played Girls Varsity Basketball and Girls Varsity Hockey, building and displaying teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Qualities that would remain with her throughout her life. Her accomplishments on the court and field were regularly posted in the local newspaper throughout her high school years. Joshelle graduated from Salem High School in 1974.

Following high school, Joshelle was offered and accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Trenton State College and play on the school’s Girls Basketball Team. She was very proud to have played for The Lady Lions.

While attending Trenton State College, Joshelle met James Mahan (Pollard) and their union was soon blessed with two daughters: T’Mara Mahan(Pollard) and Danyelle Mahan(Pollard).

Over the years Joshelle spent much of her adult life navigating adulthood. While her life had some challenges Joshelle met these challenges with adventures around the country seeing new places, and visiting family near and far.

Joshelles final trip landed her in Atlanta with her Sister, Donna in 2018. She enjoyed re-uniting with her sister and loved the year round warm temperatures in the suburbs of Atlanta, Ga. Joshelle and her sister traveled back to Salem on many occasions. Most recently at the request of her classmates, Joshelle attended her 50th class reunion, where she was joyful and ecstatic to be surrounded by her friends, classmates, and teammates from so long ago. In November of 2025, Joshelle joined her twin siblings, Donna and Darryl’s 50th year class reunion. During that trip she also attended Robin, her youngest siblings wedding. Making the most of this visit she also spent time with her sister Victoria and her family.

Joshelle expressed so much joy and love whenever she was able to reunite with childhood friends and her family. She was always filled with tears of joy and a beautiful smile whenever she gazed upon her children and grandchildren. Joshelle had a wonderful support system and she was truly loved by her family and friends, both near and far. She was truly unique and a very special person.

Joshelle's siblings loved on her through all of life's challenges, and now that she has gone home to be with the Lord, she will be missed. Her siblings and her were 5 rungs on a ladder and they grieve that one rung is now gone, and they are now left with but four.

Joshelle was preceded in death by her parents, Elder Betty J. Lewis and Henry J. Lewis.

Joshelle leaves to cherish her memory: Her children; T'Mara and Danyelle. Her grandchildren; Eriq, Damon, Imani, and Devyn. Her siblings; Donna Johnson (Edwin), Darryl Lewis (MaryBeth), Victoria Mahan (John), and Robin Harris (Don); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Joshelle Lewis will be remembered for her quiet resilience, her devotion, and the love she poured into every role she carried. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the family she so deeply loved.

Please see the events tab for the memorial service information.

Memorial created on January 20, 2026. Last updated on May 20, 2026.

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Tommy Wheeler·Feb 28

Joshelle was full of love and always had a good word to say about everyone. I last saw her at Robin’s wedding, and that was a good time, but the time before that was in Cleveland at our cousin Julius’ house. It was a very memorable time with eight or nine of us cousins sitting around the table talking and laughing at some of the shenanigans we got into during out younger years. Joshelle was right in the middle, quietly adding her unique flaver to the memories. Cousin, you are loved and will be missed.

G

Gertrude Kelso·Feb 24

We are so sorry to hear that Joshelle Lewis has passed. I know that nothing we can say will ease the pain. Joshelle was a bright light and this world is a little dimmer without her light. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Please know we are here to support you during this difficult time. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need us. With Love, Gertrude Kelso Julius Lyles III

D

Darryl Lewis·Feb 22

**Joshelle’s Journey Home** In early December 2018, I was at work and got a call from a security guard in South Carolina at a Loves Truckstop. He told me my sister Donna had given him my number and that he was calling about my sister Joshelle. He told me she was in a bad area of charlotte and wondered if I could send her bus fare to Atlanta. He mentioned that it was raining very hard and he was concerned about her safety as well as her health. I left work early and went to the nearest western union to send the money. The guard paid for Joshelle’s shower and a change of clothes. I asked him to wait until the money arrived and to please accompany her to the bus station to make sure she purchased the ticket and boarded the bus to Atlanta. He told me that his shift was over and he could do that because the greyhound terminal was not far from the truckstop. I thanked him for his help because we had not seen or heard from our sister in quite some time. I asked for his name so I could send him some money for his services. He said he could not do that because he is Christian and could not accept money for doing the Lord’s work. He gave me his number to call him to confirm that she arrived Safely. He gave me the route number of the bus so I could track it. I called Donna to let her know Joshelle boarded the bus, and I gave her the phone number of the guard so she could confirm the arrival. I went home. Donna called me at 3 AM wanting to know why the bus had not arrived yet. So I went online to track the bus. The route was apparently non existent on the computer. So I called the Charlotte station to ask about this specific route that was not showing up on time or on the computer! The clerk explained to me that the route was a local on that stopped at all the towns between Charlotte and Atlanta, and was already 45 minutes late arriving in Charlotte the night before. I gave Donna the bus number so she could drive to the bus station in Atlanta and find out where it was! The ticket office in Atlanta closed at 11 PM and passengers arriving after that time could wait in the passenger lounge near the entrance. It was now 4AM. Donna called me again. There was no bus with at number, the office was closed,Joshelle was not among the night people hanging around the front of the bus station, she had called the number the guard gave us, thinking there was something terribly wrong! The guard answered and helped to calm her down (Lord Knows I Couldn’t) He said the bus had not arrived yet and we should wait till the station opened at 7 to pursue our questions. So I got a call from Donna Around 7:30AM That Joshelle was safe with her! Now Donna will have to explain those details to you! I am like the security guard… he would not accept payment for doing the Lords work, and All I can say is “It was another miracle that I witnessed!”

T

Tmara Jackson·Feb 13

**Humanity** True humanity means embodying compassion, empathy, and kindness towards all people, recognizing our shared connection, and striving to alleviate suffering and contribute positively to the world, moving beyond mere existence to a higher ethical standard of love and understanding. It's about acting with integrity, forgiveness, and a commitment to growth, recognizing the inherent worth in everyone, and seeing others' struggles as our own. My mom's memory is one to learn a lesson in Humanity. How do you feel about a person when they can't do anything for you? She was a daughter, she was a sister and she was my mom. SHE DID HER BEST. She deserved flowers in life. She was imperfect To which I add , let he who is without sin cast the first stone. She deserved to be visited , she deserved phone calls, she deserved to be acknowledged. She deserved above all else forgiveness. My mom had a unique style and a deep unique laughter. She had a heart of hope even for things she was unable to give. She had a sense of humor and loved some good food. She loved being around family as well as her electric devices, and watching Steve Harvey on family feud. Her capabilities motivated her to give in the ways that made sense to her even if it didn't make sense to others.

D

Darryl Lewis·Feb 7

At our birthday celebration

T

Tommy WheelerFeb 28

Joshelle was full of love and always had a good word to say about everyone. I last saw her at Robin’s wedding, and that was a good time, but the time before that was in Cleveland at our cousin Julius’ house. It was a very memorable time with eight or nine of us cousins sitting around the table talking and laughing at some of the shenanigans we got into during out younger years. Joshelle was right in the middle, quietly adding her unique flaver to the memories. Cousin, you are loved and will be missed.

G

Gertrude KelsoFeb 24

We are so sorry to hear that Joshelle Lewis has passed. I know that nothing we can say will ease the pain. Joshelle was a bright light and this world is a little dimmer without her light. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Please know we are here to support you during this difficult time. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need us. With Love, Gertrude Kelso Julius Lyles III

D

Darryl LewisFeb 22

**Joshelle’s Journey Home** In early December 2018, I was at work and got a call from a security guard in South Carolina at a Loves Truckstop. He told me my sister Donna had given him my number and that he was calling about my sister Joshelle. He told me she was in a bad area of charlotte and wondered if I could send her bus fare to Atlanta. He mentioned that it was raining very hard and he was concerned about her safety as well as her health. I left work early and went to the nearest western union to send the money. The guard paid for Joshelle’s shower and a change of clothes. I asked him to wait until the money arrived and to please accompany her to the bus station to make sure she purchased the ticket and boarded the bus to Atlanta. He told me that his shift was over and he could do that because the greyhound terminal was not far from the truckstop. I thanked him for his help because we had not seen or heard from our sister in quite some time. I asked for his name so I could send him some money for his services. He said he could not do that because he is Christian and could not accept money for doing the Lord’s work. He gave me his number to call him to confirm that she arrived Safely. He gave me the route number of the bus so I could track it. I called Donna to let her know Joshelle boarded the bus, and I gave her the phone number of the guard so she could confirm the arrival. I went home. Donna called me at 3 AM wanting to know why the bus had not arrived yet. So I went online to track the bus. The route was apparently non existent on the computer. So I called the Charlotte station to ask about this specific route that was not showing up on time or on the computer! The clerk explained to me that the route was a local on that stopped at all the towns between Charlotte and Atlanta, and was already 45 minutes late arriving in Charlotte the night before. I gave Donna the bus number so she could drive to the bus station in Atlanta and find out where it was! The ticket office in Atlanta closed at 11 PM and passengers arriving after that time could wait in the passenger lounge near the entrance. It was now 4AM. Donna called me again. There was no bus with at number, the office was closed,Joshelle was not among the night people hanging around the front of the bus station, she had called the number the guard gave us, thinking there was something terribly wrong! The guard answered and helped to calm her down (Lord Knows I Couldn’t) He said the bus had not arrived yet and we should wait till the station opened at 7 to pursue our questions. So I got a call from Donna Around 7:30AM That Joshelle was safe with her! Now Donna will have to explain those details to you! I am like the security guard… he would not accept payment for doing the Lords work, and All I can say is “It was another miracle that I witnessed!”

T

Tmara JacksonFeb 13

**Humanity** True humanity means embodying compassion, empathy, and kindness towards all people, recognizing our shared connection, and striving to alleviate suffering and contribute positively to the world, moving beyond mere existence to a higher ethical standard of love and understanding. It's about acting with integrity, forgiveness, and a commitment to growth, recognizing the inherent worth in everyone, and seeing others' struggles as our own. My mom's memory is one to learn a lesson in Humanity. How do you feel about a person when they can't do anything for you? She was a daughter, she was a sister and she was my mom. SHE DID HER BEST. She deserved flowers in life. She was imperfect To which I add , let he who is without sin cast the first stone. She deserved to be visited , she deserved phone calls, she deserved to be acknowledged. She deserved above all else forgiveness. My mom had a unique style and a deep unique laughter. She had a heart of hope even for things she was unable to give. She had a sense of humor and loved some good food. She loved being around family as well as her electric devices, and watching Steve Harvey on family feud. Her capabilities motivated her to give in the ways that made sense to her even if it didn't make sense to others.

D

Darryl LewisFeb 7

At our birthday celebration

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Joshelle Fishun Lewis

Celebration of Life

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