ELLEN (COKER) WALLS

Ellen Walls Dec. 3, 1938 - Oct. 17, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Ellen Walls, 76, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at her residence. Ellen was born on December 3, 1938, to the late Cora Searight and Jesse Comer Coker in Ft. Deposit, Alabama.

Escaping from picking cotton, she moved to South Bend as a teenager where she graduated from Central High School.

She later married Commie Walls and they became the proud parents of three sons. Ellen was a hard worker. She was employed at Kroger Grocery Store on McKinley Avenue and remained a dedicated employee there until she retired. She also loved cooking, attending church, shopping and most of all, the Searight's Family Reunions.

She had a unique love for sports. She enjoyed attending her sons' High School and College track meets and letting family and friends know she was very proud of them. She was also a huge basketball fan. Ellen loved the Lord and received Jesus Christ in her life at a young age. She found a church home at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church where her spiritual testimony grew. Ellen was a Lady of class and beauty. She was independent, strong minded and had a fiery personality. At the same time, as one soft red rose, and red being her favorite color, she could touch you with love and understanding. She was a caring person with a good heart who helped many in their time of need. Ellen loved her sons and family very much. She was born into a large family and found pleasure and joy in staying in close contact with family members and her friends. She will be sadly missed by those who loved her.

She is survived by her two twin sons, Ronald Walls (Tamara) of Lansing, MI and Donald Walls of Saginaw, MI; two sisters, Jannie Boddy (James) of Cleveland, OH and Katie Taylor (J.C.) of Ft. Deposit, AL; three grandsons, Jaikub, Robbie and CeCe; three great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Bradley Jr. and Sophia; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by nine siblings: Louise Timmons, Willie George Searight, Dan Seright, Cora Phillips, Jessie Jones, Mollie White, Bertha Murray, Jeanette Seawright and Willie Seawright; one son, Commie (Tony) Walls and one grandson, Bradley Walls.

A service celebrating Ellen's life will be held at noon on Friday, October 23, 2015, at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Andre' McGhee will be officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary. www.Alfordsmortuaryinc.com

Published by South Bend Tribune on Oct. 21, 2015.

03/09/2023 EJS