“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” — Psalm 23:6

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 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.”

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 (deceased), Mark Dodley, and Imani Olear. He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Constance “Connie” Jenkins; and 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), Traci (2025), 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, Trecia, 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.

Beloved Village Elder

Friends will be received for Visitation at Second Baptist Church on Thursday, September 24th, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm, followed immediately by Funeral Services.

Burial will process to Green Lawn Cemetery.

To leave a message of condolence please visit the Guest Book.