Selma Reeves Walthall's Obituary
Selma Mae Reeves Walthall made her final journey on Thursday, March 23, 2006, at the age of ninety-two years, eleven months, and twenty-six days. She is now resting in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Preceding her on this journey were her husband of sixty-four years, Jesse Melborne Walthall; a son, Benjamin Walthall; a brother, Hugh Reeves; and her parents, Chesley G. and Bertha L. McAnulty Reeves. She is survived by two daughters, Melba Powell, of Plumerville, Arkansas, and Shirley Johnson, and her husband, Keith, of Topeka, Kansas; a son, Lynn Walthall, and his wife, Dr. Ellen “Summer”, of Lebanon, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Mickey Powell, and his wife, Christie, of Morrilton, Arkansas, David Powell, and his wife, Terrie, of Greenbrier, Arkansas, Jane Zimmerman, and her husband, Dr. Ken, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Leslie Huss, and her husband, Jeff, of Topeka, Kansas, Jason Johnson, of Hong Kong, China, Morgan Walthall, of Austin, Texas, Cassie and Jessica Walthall, both of Lebanon, Missouri; thirteen great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; several nieces; and a host of friends. “Miss Selma” was born March 27, 1913, in Columbia County, Arkansas, and attended Mount Vernon Public School. At an early age she gave her life to Jesus and was a faithful servant of First Baptist Church of Magnolia, Arkansas for many years. In 1956, the family moved to Midland, Texas, and joined Dellwood Baptist Church, where Selma served as the first organist, a position she held until 1985. She also taught ladies’ Bible class, served as the church secretary, was a WMA delegate to the annual association meetings, and was a mentor to the young married ladies in the church. One of her spiritual gifts was hospitality. Her home was an open house for young people, revival preachers, local pastors and families and friends for lunch after church on Sundays. She was especially known for her homemade rolls, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and chicken and dressing. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and enjoyed playing the piano and quilting in her spare time. Her family and friends mourn her passing, but rejoice for the peace and comfort she is now experiencing. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2006, in the First Baptisit Church in Magnolia, Arkansas. Burial will be in the Waldo Cemetery, Waldo, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time Monday in the church. Friends may call through Saturday at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Lebanon. Memorials to the First Baptist Church of Lebanon Building Fund or the First Baptist Church of Magnolia, Arkansas may be made through the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri.
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