Obituary for Leroy George Walls

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Deacon Walls went home to be with the Lord on April 28 ^th at 2:40 pm. at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. He arrived on this earth January 1, 1932 to Virginia Adele Walls (Miller) and Willie Walls.

Deacon Leroy Walls was born in Kentwood, Louisiana. He grew up in Louisiana and was an active member of Starnee Baptist Church. As a young boy, at the tender age of nine, he was baptized and accepted Jesus as his savior. He served as Sunday school teacher, and president of the choir.

He lived in Hammond Louisiana for 30 years before relocating to Centralia Illinois. He met and married Novella Jones; they were married for 65 years. While residing in Centralia, he joined Macedonia Baptist Church under the guidance of Rev. Jesse Beacoat. He attended Macedonia for 30 years, faithfully holding down various positions in the church. He served as a Deacon, Superintendent of the Sunday school, Sunday school teacher, and member of the choir. After the passing of the pastor of the church, Deacon Walls, along with his wife (Novella Walls) spearheaded the rebuilding of the church building after it had collapsed. After retiring from the Illinois State Corrections he moved back to his home state of Louisiana.

Leroy moved to Kentwood Louisiana and joined Sweet Home Baptist Church. He was an active member serving as Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was awarded a service award for his devoted service during Vacation Bible School in 2002.

Military

He was a private in the armed forces; he was in the United Stats Army for eight years. He was stationed in Korea, after his enlistment he received an Honorable Discharge.

Work/School

He attended the Correctional Academy in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Kaskaskia College, in Centralia, Illinois. Leroy was employed at Ziegler Heating, serving as the union president.  The company closed so he transition to the Illinois Department of Corrections. He worked as an officer and was later promoted to Sergeant. Leroy worked there until his retirement.  After living and working in Centralia for 30 years he retired and moved back to his beloved south.

Leroy moved back to Kentwood where he embraced his retirement. He enjoyed his relaxation by becoming an author; He wrote a book describing his life experiences in the Southern part of the country, and his experience in the Northern part of the country. His books title is, "30South 30North".  He also worked part time for the sheriff department.

His parents Virginia and Willie Walls predecease him. His brother, J.W. Walls (Beatrice); his sister, Alice Francisco (Varrie); his sister Velma Weathersby (Willie). He is survived by his brother, Leo Walls (Regina). He leaves behind to cherish his memories are his children, Leroy Walls (Connie), Shari Pierce (Gary), Rodney Walls (Glenda), Eric Walls (Kristi), Crystal Bernice Walls, and Barbara Cotton.

Sixteen grandchildren: Leroy Walls III, Antonio Walls, Justin Walls, Wesley Hendrix, Corsica Walls, and Felicia King (Arizona).

India Pierce Hudson (DeAnthony), Joshua Tyrone Pierce, Gariel Jennifer Pierce, Isaiah Franklin Pierce (Illinois).

Jasmine Walls (Texas), Mick Walls (Illinois)

Kennedi Walls, Eric Walls Jr. (Illinois), Kalap Walls (Louisiana)

Tyra Cotton, Crystal Overall (Illinois)

Nineteen Great grandchildren: Justin Walls, Dustin Walls, Isabelle Walls, Jasmine Walls, Keyon King, Marlon King, Shawn King, Jada Brown, Jaron Brown, La'Naih Hendrix, Issac Walls, Mikenna Walls, Aleah Walls, Isaiah Walls, Jaden Walls, Mason Walls, Addia Walls, Pride Chisolm, Janyra Betts, and John Harris.

He leaves a host of nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and loving cousins and friends.

Obituary for Novella Walls

We are confident, yes, well please rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.    2 Corinthians 5:8

Sister Novella Jones Walls went home to be with the Lord on May 10,2021. Her loved ones surrounded her when she went peacefully home. Novella arrived on earth Oct. 31, 1935 to Bernice Wansley and Phillip Crockhran.

She was born in Independence, Louisiana. She graduated from Greenville High School.  She attended Rose Hill Baptist Church as a young girl. She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and loved God dearly. She married Leroy Geoge Walls in 1957 , and started attending StarNee Baptist Church. She loved to sing and was always in the church choir. She and Leroy have six children, Leroy Walls(Connie), Shari Pierce(Gary), Rodney Walls(Glenda), Eric Walls (Kristi), Crystal Walls, Barbara Cotton. Novella resided in Hammond until she and her husband (Leroy Walls) relocated to Centralia, Illinois. She and Leroy were married for 65 years.

Novella relocated to Centralia Illinois, where she became a member of Macedonia Baptist Church under the guidance of Rev. Jesse Beacoat. She served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member as well as president of the choir, mentor, and auxiliary leader. Novella and Leroy were the church leaders in charge of rebuilding the church after the building  collapsed without warning.  Novella touched the lives of so many people especially the youth. She attended Kaskaskia College where she received her certificate and license to work as a case worker.  She worked as a caseworker for Department of Family Service where she fought aggressively for the rights of children, especially the children who did not have a voice. She was later promoted to the title of, Master case manager where she went into homes of the children who had been abused or neglected. Novella work led her to the signing of legislature that was passed to protect children. She represented the department and witness the governor signing the document. She opened her own home up foster care, to help these same children, she advocated for. Novella had six children of her own, and there are not enough words to describe how much she  loved and gave of herself to them. Novella also worked at St Mary's Hospital where she was a nurse's assistant. After retiring from the Department of Children and Family service she and her husband(Leroy) moved back to the state of Louisiana.

Novella moved to Kentwood Louisiana with her husband. She enjoyed returning back to her roots, where she could visit and talk with family members daily. She loved to sit on her front porch and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Novella joined,  Sweet homes Baptist church, and had a wonderful church family. Novella served as a Deaconess for the church, but after a number of years in Kentwood, she and Leroy decided to move back up north to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

She and Leroy moved to Springfield Illinois. They enjoyed three years with their children before being called home to be with their heavenly family. She and Leroy joined Union Baptist Church under Rev. Majunkins.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Novella also loved working in her garden, cooking delicious meals, and just spending time with family. Throughout her adult life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those around her.

Novella joins her parents , Bernice and Phillip, and all her siblings , in Heaven.

She was blessed to have sixteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Her children, Leroy Reginald Walls Jr., Shari Virginia Walls Pierce, Jonathan Rodney Walls, Eric Arnell Walls, Crystal Bernice Walls, and Barbara Ann Cotton all attest to her being the best mother and a God fearing woman.

Sixteen grandchildren: Leroy Walls III, Antonio Walls, Justin Walls, Wesley Hendrix, Corsica Walls, and Felicia King (Arizona).

India Shirvella Pierce Hudson(DeAnthony), Joshua Tyrone Pierce, Gariel Jennifer Pierce, Isaiah Franklin Pierce(Illinois).

Jasmine Walls (Texas), Mick Walls(Illinois).

Kennedi Walls, Eric Walls Jr. (Illinois)

Tyra Cotton, Crystal Overall(Illinois)

Nineteen Great grandchildren: Justin Walls, Dustin Walls, Isabelle Walls, Jasmine Walls, Keyon Kind, Marlon King, Shawn King, Jada Brown, Jaron Brown, La'Naih Hendrix, Issac Walls, Mikenna Walls, Isaiah Walls, Jaden Walls , Mason Walls, Addia Walls, Pride Chisolm, Janyra Betts, and John Harris.

She leaves a host of nieces and nephews, grandniece and nephews, and loving cousins and friends.