LIFELONG GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND SISTER OF FORMER HARVEY MAYOR ERIC KELLOGG SUCCUMBS AT 82


LIFELONG GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND 

SISTER OF FORMER HARVEY MAYOR ERIC KELLOGG SUCCUMBS AT 82

 

DRIENA A. LEWIS CREDITED FOR PAVING THE WAY FOR

 AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE MUNICIPAL LEADERS

 

“THE SOUTHLAND HAS LOST A CROWN JEWEL 

WHO BLAZED THE TRAIL FOR HUNDREDS OF WOMEN”

 

Dreina A. Lewis (January 24, 1944- November 2, 2026)

 

 

(Olympia Fields, IL) For decades the management of many suburban towns and villages in Cook County was male dominated and lacked gender equality. Women were often limited to secretarial and other paraprofessional roles within the government operations of towns. Women who desired a head management role would look beyond the suburban region and explore opportunities within the City of Chicago or State of Illinois.


But in April of 2003, then Harvey Mayor Eric J. Kellogg broke the norm, appointing Driena A. Lewis as his Chief Administrator for the City of Harvey. It would be an appointment that the mayor would consider as the most significant and profound decision over his four-term career as Mayor of the City of Harvey. Dreina Lewis managed the city’s operations with grace, humility, firmness, and compassion for the next sixteen years. During her tenure she was credited with assisting the mayor in attracting over 150 businesses to Harvey as well as spearheading many of the mayor’s initiatives that led to balanced budgets, enhanced diversity, and improved infrastructures.


Mayor Kellogg was confident in his decision to hire Driena. Not just because he knew of her unique qualifications for the job, but because of the trust and bond he shared since his childhood. Dreina Lewis was his older sister who had watched over him his entire life. He considered her his rock and most loyal supporter.


On Monday, November 2nd, after a brief illness Dreina passed away while surrounded by her family. She was 82 years of age.


Dreina Alvon Kellogg was born on January 24, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Walter

“Bill” Kellogg and the late Carol Higgins Kellogg. She was the first of seven children. Dreina was raised in Harvey, Illinois, where she attended Thornton Township High School and

later continued her education at Thornton Junior College. At an early age, she accepted Christ and began her spiritual journey at Wesley United Methodist Church in Harvey. She continued to nurture her Christian faith at New Faith Baptist Church and remained a member of The Emmaus Community until her passing.


In 1964, Dreina married the love of her life, Michael A. Lewis, and together they began building a family and a life filled with love and cherished memories.


Dreina dedicated more than 30 years of her professional career to public service, working for both the Cook County Department of Public Aid and the Illinois Department of Public Aid,

where she administered health and medical benefits. She later served as Chief Administrator for the City of Harvey for 16 years before retiring.


Throughout her distinguished career, Dreina earned numerous administrative awards and recognition for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and professional excellence. These

honors reflected more than her professional accomplishments; they represented the high standards she established, the leadership she demonstrated, and the lasting influence she had on those with whom she worked. Dreina did not simply hold positions; she made a difference wherever she served. She led with purpose, exemplified excellence, and earned the respect of

colleagues and community members alike.


In February 2025, in recognition of her dedication, leadership, and lasting contributions to the community, Dreina received the Rich Township History Makers Award. This special honor

celebrated the meaningful impact she made and the legacy of service she established throughout

her life.


“Dreina Lewis was an extraordinary government leader who performed her duties in a spirit of excellence. Moreover, she created a path for young women who desired to have a leading role in government. She will always be credited with assisting Mayor Kellogg in the hiring of many African American females in prominent roles in Harvey. “says Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill.


Cook County Clerk Monica Gordan adds, “I want to extend my deepest condolence to Mayor Kellogg and his entire family. Mrs. Lewis mentored many young African American women who respected her experience not only in Harvey, but also her tenure as an administrator with the state of Illinois. She was renowned for her outstanding leadership throughout her occupational career. She was simply a phenomenal leader.”


Dreina Lewis was a distinguished public servant who inspired a generation of young women throughout Cook County. History will remember Dreina Lewis, they will remember her courage, they will remember her extraordinary commitment to the people of Harvey” says Rich Township Democratic Supervisor and Committeeman Calvin Jordan.


Popular Chicago area Publicist, Sean Howard concludes, “I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Lewis throughout much of her tenure in Harvey. We worked on countless projects together and I witnessed her firsthand as she helped literally hundreds of residents daily. She was so well respected by the residents of Harvey. She was relatable, accessible, and effective in her role. We became very good friends. I will miss her dearly.”


Dreina firmly believed in giving back and generously shared her time, talents, and resources with others. Her commitment to service extended beyond her professional career and into her church and community. She faithfully gave her tithes, organized annual toy drives, and helped coordinate numerous prom dress boutiques, ensuring that children and young people in the community had opportunities to feel celebrated and supported.


Dreina was also civically engaged and passionate about her community. She supported numerous successful political campaigns and served on the CEDA Board and the Harvey School District 205 Foundation Board. She was an active member of several distinguished organizations, including Top Ladies of Distinction, the South Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, and the South Suburban Chicago Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.


Her commitment to service was not simply something she did; it was a reflection of who she was. Whether through her professional responsibilities, civic involvement, organizational memberships, church, or personal acts of generosity, Dreina consistently demonstrated a genuine desire to uplift others and strengthen her community.


Dreina was preceded in death by her parents, Walter “Bill” Kellogg and Carol Higgins Kellogg, and her siblings, Denise Kellogg, Walter Kellogg III, and Joyce Kellogg Weaver.


She leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her passing, her loving husband of more than 62 years, Michael A. Lewis; her daughters, Monica Lewis Fox and Bettie Lewis; her grandchildren, Olivia Dreina Fox and Colin Michael Lewis; and her great-grandson, Jacoby Brown.

She is also survived by her brothers, Derrick (Terry) Muhammad, Rommel Kellogg, and Eric J. Kellogg I, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

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