Geneva Barnett Walthall

November 4, 2015

Geneva Barnett Walthall was born January 27, 1928, in Camden, Arkansas to Billie and Eula Regar Barnett. The family later moved to Toledo, Ohio where Geneva went to Whitney High School and later Wilberforce/Central State University. It was at college that she met and married John D. Walthall Jr., from Detroit, Michigan. John and Geneva returned to his hometown of Detroit, raised a family, and were very active in the religious and political community there. Geneva was a graduate of Lewis College of Business in Detroit Michigan. She worked in supervision at Awrey Bakery and later the Helms Company until her retirement, at which time she was appointed a Commissioner for the City of Detroit, where she was responsible for the concerns of Senior Citizens. Geneva was a life member of the Delta Nu Chapter of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority Incorporated. She really loved and was active in the sorority and held many positions, including Chapter Basileus and the National Office of Supreme Tamias. Geneva was a founding member of Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her son, Rev. John D. Walthall III, where she served on the Mother's Board, Pastor's Anniversary and Welcome Committee. She passed away November 4, 2015, at the Goerlich Center. Geneva was preceded in death by both parents; sisters, Maxine King and Irma Young; brother, Welton Barnett; nephew, Ardy Caviness, and her loving husband, Rev. John D. Walthall Jr. She is survived by a son, Rev. John D. Walthall III; daughter-in-law, Edith Haynes Walthall; two grandchildren, John D. Walthall IV (Samantha) and Brandi Walthall; three great-grandchildren, Jon' Asia, Sa'Myra, and Avea Walthall; two nephews, Andre (Reba) Young, and Earl (Rhonda) Caviness; niece, Rhonda Caviness; brother-in-law, Millard Young; three great-nephews, Andre Savage, Andre Young Jr., and Irmon Young; five great-nieces, Lakeeta, Andrea, and Alexus Young, Shonda and Sherrol Caviness, and a host of relatives, friends and her Mount Ararat Missionary Baptist Church Family. We, the family of Geneva, would like to give a very special thank you to the staff at the Goerlich Center for the wonderful care they provided to Geneva. Visitation will be Friday, November 13, 2015, 5-6 p.m. with wake services following 6-8 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel, funeral services Saturday 10 a.m. at Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Robert Lyons officiant, Rev. I.J. Johnson eulogist, interment Forest Cemetery. www.dalefh.com