Treasuring the Life & Legacy of Estella Walls
Mrs. Estella Walls, the second of 13 children to the union of the late West and Sallie Applewhite, was born September 24, 1924 in Glendora, Mississippi.
Estella accepted Jesus Christ at the New Vine Baptist Church in West Helena AK.
She attended West Helena District Public Schools.
In the mid 1940's Estella and two sons moved to Detroit Michigan. While there she married, remarried and had two more sons.
Estella moved to Grand Rapids Michigan. 1958 was a very good year – that's when Estella married Benjamin Franklin Walls. Soon afterwards, she helped him get custody of his children from Coldwater State Home and raised them as her own. They proudly purchased 26 Highland, SE. That year just before Christmas, (December 15, 1958) Gwendolyn Ann Walls was born. Then they became parents to 13 children.
Estella Walls united with the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Aaron Harris, She was a great influence and led in organizing the first Pilgrim Rest Nurse Aide ministry.
Sister Walls also served in the Pastor's Aid, Gospel Chorus and Senior Choir. She faithfully served until her health restricted her from attendance.
Her family continued to support the church financially.
Estella Walls loved children.
In 1967 she was issued her first license to be a GRPS Foster Grand Parent. She later began working with Blodgett Homes and Children and Bethany Christian Services. Her home was filled with many foster children throughout the years.
Some years later she adopted two daughters; Dana and Annette.
Estella was gainfully employed at several local stores and factories; Grand Rapids Public Schools (Madison Elementary), Johnson Furniture, Corduroy Rubber, Osteopathic Hospital, Herpolsheimers Department Store. Her last place of employment was with the Foster Grandparent program at Jefferson Elementary School between 1995 and 2005.
Estella took a correspondence (mail order) class in nursing and received her diploma in 1966. One had to be careful not to cough, complain of a headache or be seen scratching a lot because she would surely ask you, "what you taking for that?" Doctor Walls, as her friends called her would read about health food and vitamins that would help with whatever ailed you. Many proclaim that her remedies and instruction were very effective. She joined the Order of Eastern Stars in Grand Rapids in 1973 and rose to rank of Worthy Matron.
During this time, MLK, Malcolm were spearheading and engaging in marches, sit-ins and demonstrations, Estella Walls was marching and holding demonstrations of a different kind.
Estella loved to travel. One of her fondest tours included shaking hands with former President Barack Obama (#43 and #44). She had a "sacred hand and frozen smile" for months. Other great places of interest were two trips to the Holy Lands, Caribbean Islands, Mexico and several other continents.
She also visited the prison where Nelson Mandela was an inmate.
Estella enjoyed writing. We have countless papers, notes, notebooks, pads, folders filled with adventures of her life she chronicled. She was famous for her macaroni and cheese casserole.
She also loved sewing clothes and gardening in her yard.
Estella was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Franklin Walls; her siblings, Luevenuia Pryor, Essie Millbrooks, Louise Applewhite; John Applewhite, Charles Applewhite (C.W), Ernest Applewhite, Sr., her children, Frank Walls, Larry (L.C.) Robinson, Deral, Oral, Robert, Winnie, Betty Jean and Maryann Walls.
On Thursday night, November 19, 2020, with her daughter by her side, Estella Walls peacefully transitioned to receive her eternal reward.
Estella Walls' memory will continue touch the hearts of her six children; Mack Walls, Jackson, MS, Bobby (Lani) Turner, of Walton, FL; Manuel Turner, Florissant, MO, Gwendolyn Walls, Dana Staten of Grand Rapids, MI, Annette Walls of Muskegon, MI; Virginia Adams of Amory, MS; seven siblings, Rev. Willie (Nellie) Applewhite Sr. West Applewhite, Addie Couch, Ruthie Brewer, Virgie (Alverson) Jackson and Ella Brown, all of Grand Rapids, MI; 50 grandchildren, a host of great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Manuel Turner (Son)
For mom, she was the only woman I knew that stayed strong on people (especially kids), staying on the right road. As a child, I thought my mom was so mean because she wouldn't fall for the stories and lies we told her to get our way or out of trouble. But today, I want to praise her for making sure that I stayed alive and on the right road of being a responsible adult. My Lord please make her at home.
Bobby Turner (Son)
The Lord has given the best mother anyone could have ever possibly ne blessed to have her wings. I was blessed to spend 69 years on this earth with her. Anyone who knew my mom knows the angel that I was dealing with. I'm sorry I can't say more because it is so hard to even write. My heart is crushed, but I know she is happy.
Dana Staten (Daughter)
My mother introduced us to the teachings of God, proper mannerism, proper etiquette, home economics, cooking, cleaning, dignity, self-respect, respect of elders, the meaning of motherhood, the value of family, importance of education, never giving up, forgiving, love, work, getting involved in helping the community, sharing our blessings, humility, speaking up for what I believe in, to fear man and not God, and fighting for my rights. These are some of the things that I learned from my Mother as my teacher from our most high Father God.
Annette Flournoy (Daughter)
I want to say that if it had not been for my mom Estella Walls, I wouldn't be who I am today. Mom taught me how to survive life.
Gwen Walls (Daughter)
My mom Estella Walls gave me the gift of life and loved me the entire time. She taught me about living and helped me to avoid many pitfalls. I will miss her daily, but I'm glad that she painlessly took her wings and flew away. I'm sure that she is smiling now. She knew my love for her was endless.
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