JUNE 29 – Rena D. Walton fought a good fight, she kept the faith and she finished her course. She won the race on June 20, 2010 at Centra South-side Community Hospital where she departed this life.

She was born on May 11, 1916 to the late Truly and Teula Barnes Watson. She joined the New Bethel Baptist Church in Meherrin at an early age and received her education at Virso School House in Prince Edward County.

Mrs. Walton was joined in holy matrimony to the late Samuel Walton for 46 years be-fore his passing. To this union five children were born, one of whom preceded her in death, Mary Inez Arvin. She worked for many years at Simmons Truck Stop as a cook; then later be-come a housekeeper and nanny for Mac and Edith McKenzie. She also did other domestic work for local businesses in Keysville. She retired from Mac and Edith McKenzie, but stayed on part-time until her health began to fail.

She loved her family and family gatherings, sewing, gardening and working in the church. She was a member of the Ushers Board and Missionary Circle, where she worked faithfully until her health failed. She was also the Mother of the Church.

She leaves to cherish her memories, four daughters, E. Thelma Peterson (Hale) of Alberta; Mable O. Walton (Clyde) of Brooklyn, NY; Shirley Jennings (John) and Sylvia Cheatham (Charles) of Meherrin; 16 grandchildren, two of whom she raised, Ramona and Maxine (Jerry); three grandchildren preceded her in death (Dexter, Vickie and Roscoe); step-mother, Lizzie Walton; six half-brothers, Curtis, Lewis, Robert, Lonnie, Larry and Clifton (Delphine); a step-brother, Samuel Cox (Margaret); four half-sisters, Belauh Peterson (Louis), Hattie Coleman, Gail Watson (Joseph), and Margaret L. Stokes (Nathaniel); five sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law; 24 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; devoted friend, Mary Anna Evans; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service was held on June 25 at New Bethel Baptist Church, Meherrin, with Evangelist Denise Moore officiating and Pastor Haney Thomas Jr.