Anita Lewis Acosta-Tijerina

Anita Marie Lewis Acosta-Tijerina was born on August 30th, 1959, in Quincy, Illinois to her parents, Mamie Nancy Garr-Lewis and Robert Steele. She was the third of five children born in the family, surrounded by her loving brothers Billy and Sammy, and sisters Nancy and Regina. Anita was always  a caring and committed wife to her husband Jorge for the last decade. Anita was also the proud mother of one child, Reginald, and a son through marriage, Jorge (Junior). Anita had always wanted to be a grandmother, and she was blessed with one grandson, Jackson.

Anita received her early education in Quincy, Illinois and finished her high school years in Denver, Colorado, graduating from East High School. Anita would then go on to held various positions in early childhood education, restaurant/retail, and medical industries, including progressive leadership experience in restaurant management. Her son Reginald, proudly followed a similar path. Unfortunately, Anita's career was limited and cut short due to health complications stemming from her kidney disease which necessitated multiple kidney transplants. Despite the medical setbacks, Anita always found a way to stay strong and positive and family and friends knew her as quite the fighter. No one ever expected Covid would be the cause of death for Anita, because they had seen her fight and win so many battles before.

During her unexpected and early retirement, Anita found solitude in being with friends and family, watching murder mysteries, and learning more about her roots. After a Mother's Day gift came with a subscription to a popular online family tree research service, Anita became the unofficial family genealogist. It would be difficult, if even possible, to find a family member that did not get a call from Anita either on how she found someone new in our family, or a request to send DNA samples so she can uncover even more about the family. Anita's curiosity and intentionality to learn about the family and then to share and teach to spread the word, highlights what was so special about her. Anita genuinely cared about each and every person in her family and wanted to make sure that they knew that they were descendants of so much more.

Anita was a woman of faith, this was to no surprise given the strength she had to win multiple battles with health throughout her life. Anita was baptized in a Baptist church and spent the latter part of her life celebrating the Lord through participation in non-denominational Christian congregations. Anita also recognized the importance of faith in her son's education and worked selflessly and tiredly to help him attend Catholic schools.

Anyone that met, or personally knew Anita, knows what it feels like to love. Anita's presence was one of caring and curiosity for others while having to fight her own battles. Anita Marie Lewis Acosta-Tijerina lost her final battle with Covid on April 4th, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her husband, Jorge Acosta-Tijerina, her sons, Reginald (Meredith) Halstead and Jorge Acosta, her grandchild, Jackson Halstead, her surviving brother and sister Sammy N. Lewis and Regina E. Lewis,  and her best friend Mary Shockley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.