Calista Y. Perry‑Lewis‑Thomas was born on April 1, 1952, to Mary C. Perry‑Carter and the late James Carter, who lovingly filled a fatherly role in her life. She departed this life on April 27, 2026.

Calista began her early education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, later moving to Clayton in 1968. She graduated from Clayton High School in 1969 and continued her studies at Gloucester County College and Hahnemann Hospital, pursuing her passion for nursing. In time, she found a fulfilling career at Gerresheimer Glass, working as a Quality Control Inspector for 45 years. It was there she met her beloved husband, Pastor Edward C. Thomas Jr., and they married in 2000, enjoying 25 loving and fulfilling years together.

A woman of deep faith, Calista shared her love for the Lord through her service as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Evangelistic Department at Gospel W.M. Church. She brought warmth and positivity to everyone she met.

Calista’s life was a tapestry of faith, kindness, and enduring love, a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her. She will be fondly remembered not just for the roles she filled, but for the love she shared.

She is survived by her husband, Pastor Edward C. Thomas Jr.; her brother, Philip Perry (Mamie); her children, Eigen L. Lewis (Tiffany) and Adrienne C. Lewis‑Eason (Kirk); six grandchildren - Edgar Santiago, Daniel Lewis, Yarisia Lewis‑Teal, Chloe Lewis, Kaysen Lewis, and Kira Eason - and four great‑grandchildren, as well as uncles, nephews, cousins, in‑laws, extended family, and friends.