Clella Irene (Cotton) Lewis

Clella (Cotton) Lewis, 89, of Carmel, IN passed away December 8, 2021. She was born January 10, 1932 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Edgar and Anna (Wilson) Cotton. 

Clella was raised from birth in Carmel, having graduated in 1950 from Carmel High School.  A true Carmel native, Clella was at one point Carmel's one and only paper delivery person - a feat accomplished by bicycle.  Clella and Jim were married August 10, 1952 at Carmel Friends Church, originally living in Indianapolis then moving to Carmel to raise their family. Being a devoted mom, Clella volunteered at her children’s schools as a room mother and as a “Gray Lady” in the nurse’s office.  As her children grew older, Clella started a babysitting service out of her home and later served for 21 years as the receptionist and bookkeeper for Dr. Robert Bratton, DDS - beloved by patients and staff alike.

Clella loved to travel.  Many vacations were spent traveling the USA with her husband and children.  As empty nesters, Clella and Jim traveled the world. Their adventures included a safari in Africa and visits to Australia, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Spain, and more; a total of 43 countries and all 50 states.  Clella also loved lighthouses having personally visited over 100 of the 400+ that she and Jim were able to locate and photograph.

Clella also enjoyed playing the organ and weekly trips with Jim to Anderson for lessons and the occasional recital and concert.  As a member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, Clella served as a Deaconess visiting newcomers to the church.  At Carmel St. Vincent Hospital, she and Jim volunteered their time at the Welcome Desk for more than ten years.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Beneta (Cotton) McConnell and Marion Cotton.

Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Jim Lewis; children, Matt (Dan) Lewis, Lauri (Tom) Willson, and Alana (JD) Blake; 4 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; brother, Jay Cotton, and many nieces and nephews. 

A small family Celebration of Life Service is being planned for January 10, 2022 on what would have been Clella's 90th birthday. 

In lieu of flowers, family requests condolences and special memories be shared by card or the "Share a Memory" link at  www.bussellfamilyfunerals.com

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to serve and care for the family.

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