Judge Ola Lewis dies after battle with cancer

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Senior Superior Court Judge Ola Lewis has died after a battle with liver cancer, family members confirmed Sunday afternoon.

Judge Lewis, who had served as senior resident superior court judge for the 13B judicial district since 2006, announced in December 2017 that she was battling a rare liver cancer.

Lewis took an extended leave for cancer treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and was sworn in as senior resident superior court judge on January 18, 2019.

Lewis passed around 2 p.m. surrounded by family members at her home.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Condolences are pouring in from around the Cape Fear region:

Sheriff Ingram wrote: “Judge Lewis was dear and trusted friend to both me and my wife Michelle. We loved her like family and our lives were deeply enriched because of her presence. Her passion for the law and justice, along with her compassion and genuine heart for others has left a mark in the hearts of all she touched. We will miss her infectious smile and laughter, as well as that bold and dynamic personality for which she is well known. Our prayers are with her family and friends.”

Bladen County Sheriffs Office: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Superior Court Judge Ola Lewis. Judge Lewis was a wonderful person inside and out and she was a great friend of Law Enforcement. Her wealth of knowledge and devotion to the citizens of the 13th district will never be replaced. The impact she made on so many lives will forever live on in her work. Please keep her family and co-workers in your prayers over the coming days. Thank you for your service ma’am you will be greatly missed.”

Sunset Beach Police: “Today, we mourn the passing of good friend, and a true servant of the people. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Judge Ola Lewis, who was the lynchpin of our local justice system, and a pillar of our community. Judge Lewis will be sorely missed by all of us that were lucky enough to have known her, but she will never be forgotten.”

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