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Lewis devoted much of his life to encouraging young people, strengthening families, and believing in the possibilities of people whom others too easily overlooked or counted out.

Dr. Lewis E. Dodley Sr., affectionately known to many as “Baba,” passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born December 25, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, Lewis was the son of Gilbert Blossie Dodley and Luetta Jean Stewart. He was raised on the East Side of Columbus, including Talmadge Alley, and remained deeply connected to the Columbus community throughout his life.

Lewis was a graduate of East High School and continued his education at Otterbein College and The Ohio State University, where he earned his Ph.D. in psychology and guidance counseling in 1981.

A son, brother, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, partner, mentor, educator, counselor, and community elder, Lewis devoted much of his life to encouraging young people, strengthening families, and believing in the possibilities of people whom others too easily overlooked or counted out. His influence extended across generations, and many beyond his immediate family came to know and love him simply as “Baba.”

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His influence extended across generations, and many beyond his immediate family came to know and love him simply as 'Baba.'

Lewis was the father of Lewis Dodley Jr., Traci Lynn Washington, Mark Dodley, and Imani Olear. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Traci Lynn Washington; the mother of his children, Constance “Connie” Jenkins; and his parents, Gilbert Blossie Dodley and Luetta Jean Stewart.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Charlene, children, Lewis Jr. (Sooyeon), Mark (China), and Imani (Eric), Felicia (Charles), Lisette, Leland (Franchesca), Michael Jr. (Selena), Tracy; his grandchildren, Joseph (Dashua) Devin (Ashley), Meghan (Jo), Brandi (Kevin ), Miles, Kennedy, Hakeem (Erica), Maisha (Tim), Jaewon, Dominique, Amani, Aleah, Summer, Chloe (Nathan), Charles, Alonzo, Brianni, Nianna (Miles), Leila, Alyssa, Michael III (La’Tasha), Erica, Miahjuane (Robert), Eric, Sherita (Henry), Mike, Michael, Connashia and great-grandchildren; Trinity, Leighton, Kaius, Kacen, Gemma, Alfonso, Zyana, Mila, Braylen, Carter, Chi, his brothers, Robert (Cathy) and Gilbert and longtime family members Marcia, Spare Parts Family, and Joey, friends, mentees, and community members whose lives were touched by his presence.

Services Are As Follows:

Visitation

Wednesday, September 23rd 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. w/ prayer service at 4:30 p.m. 

Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service1370 E. Main Street Columbus, OH 43205

Thursday, September 24th

Second Baptist Church186 N. 17th Street Columbus, OH 43203

Visitation: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life: 3:00 p.m.

Private Interment September 25th 10 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service.