Jewell Ballard Walker

Jewell Ballard Walker (Mama Jewell), died Sunday, October 12, 2014 in Birmingham, Alabama, where she had lived most of her life. Born in Verbena, Alabama on July 2, 1922, she spent her childhood days in Steele, Alabama. Mrs. Walker was an early member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, joining the congregation in 1959. She had a great love for her church, its members and and all that church life encompasses, serving on many boards of the United Methodist Church Women, as a circle leader, organizing and playing numerous instrumental roles in the various fund-raising activities of the church. She was a long standing member of the Herb Peterson Sunday School class. Flowers and gardening were among here favorite pastime activities and brought much happiness to her life. Her home in Vestavia Hills received the First Place Award from the Vestavia Hills Beautification Board on many occasions and she was a long-time member and leader of The Red Maple and Pineview Garden Clubs. As a young woman she worked at Loveman’s and later, serving at the first woman sales account executive for Campbell Sixty-Six Express Freight Lines. Among Mrs. Walker’s many interests were her participation in the Womens Civic Club of Birmingham, the Cheramis Dance Club, the Mamye Campbell Study Club. “Mama Jewell”, as she was known by family and special friends was most happy when she was surrounded by her family which she held so dear. She loved to share the stories of her life and their lives, weaving tales that brought much joy and laughter, as well as tears, and left with all who heard her a sense of our family history. Mrs. Walker was preceded in death by her father, Mr. Algia Franklin Ballard; her mother, Mrs. Eula Redden Ballard; her husband, Mr. Tommy Stanley Walker and granddaughter, Ms. Kristy Jenele Adams. She is survived by daughters, Sharron Ellis Adams (Stan) and Cheryl Walker Mayer (Charles) and son, Barry Paul Ellis (Judy), grandchildren, Deanna Johnson, Rhonda Lovoy, Suzanne Ellis Stalnaker and Barry Paul Ellis, Jr., all of Birmingham; Jane Mayer Andino and Katherine Mayer Erickson of Santa Monica, California, and Lisa Ellis Marshall of Winchester, Virginia. She was the great grandmother to ten great-grand children and three great-great grand children. A service celebrating the life of Mrs. Jewell Ballard Walker will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 11:00 in the chapel narthex and there will also be a gathering of family and friends following the service in the church parlor. Memorial gifts may be made to Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.