Lawana Rease DeWitty was born in Seattle, WA on July 23, 1951, to the union of Ann and Rev. Jewel B DeWitty. She was the youngest of 4 children, two sisters and one brother. Lawana graduated from Garfield High School in 1969. She studied African American Studies at UW ℅ 1972, and got her secondary degree at UCLA ℅ 1974. She first taught at Manual Arts High School in LA. Back in Seattle she taught at Sharples Alternative High School (Aki Kurose), and retired from Cleveland High School. In December 1986 she married Jack Williams Jr, to that union Charlotte Estell was born. They divorced a few years later. In January 1995, she remarried Michael Smith, they divorced in 2008. Despite an over 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Lawana was rarely seen without a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart. She brought positivity and joy to every room she entered and loved with her whole heart. Lawana was extremely excited to welcome her first grandchild, Bryson Nickles. Lawana was called to be with the Lord on December 23, 2023. She was preceded in death by Ann M DeWitty (mother), Rev, Jewel DeWitty (father), Gordon DeWitty (brother) and Jack Williams Jr (ex-husband). She is survived by her daughter Charlotte Nickles (Rashad Nickles), sisters Ann DeWitty and Myra Meeks, niece Charron Mollette and a host of cousins, friends, “adopted” children and extended family. Final services will be held at Evergreen Washelli on January 12, 2024 at 1pm
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