Story and photo submitted by Phyllis Jones, Speakin’ Out News, senior writer
Mrs. Ellen Marie Drake Walton recently passed away in Detroit, MI. She was the youngest of twin girls born on May 9, 1926, to the late John Amos Drake I and Bessie Elizabeth Lightfoot Drake Lane. She graduated from the Normal High School, the high school segment of Alabama A&M College.
Ellen was an active 97-year-old. She loved God and displayed love and affection for her immediate and extended family and friends daily. Before her twin sister’s passing (Helen Drake Burwell), they never missed attending the Lightfoot, Drake, Lane, and Moore Family Reunion. As the family’s matriarch, Ellen was able to participate in this year’s 75th reunion held in Huntsville in July.
At an early age, Ellen accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Sunday, September 3, Ellen was blessed to worship with her church family, children, and grandchildren at the New Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, where her son, Derrick Walton, is pastor. She was an active member for 31 years and served in various capacities. Her celebration of life service was on September 23, 2023.
She was united in holy matrimony to the Late Harry Walton. To this union, five children were born and are left to cherish her memory: Lorenzo Walton (Marietta), Derrick Walton (Marilyn), Kenton Walton (Margarite), Harriet Walton, and Wymell “Ismail” Walton. Also left to cherish her memory is her 105-year-old brother, John Amos Drake Sr. of Harvest, Alabama; grandchildren: Larren Walton, Shamus Walton, Akia Walton, Derrick Walton, Jr., Shawan Walton, Savon Walton, Asmaa Walton, and Kai Walton; great-grandchildren: Shauntee, Mikyla, Shaden, Shamar, Gavin, Jade, and Caden; sister-in-law: Ruby Lee Mohammed; special friends: Michael Smith, who she loved like a son; Maryester Beard, her caregiver/daughter, Pearl Mack, neighbor and friend, Renae Mack Bankhead and Chank Bankhead, goddaughter. She was blessed with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and many loving and caring friends, too numerous to list. She indeed fought a good fight and finished her course. Certainly laid up for her is a crown of righteousness.