Walter Albert Sheffey

After declining health instances, Walter passed on his birthday – early am of January 1, 2020. He would not have wanted any other given timing. He was born January 1, 1943 in Charlottesville, Virginia. In 1946, his mother moved to the northwest area of Washington, DC, where he grew up and attended public schools from elementary through high school. He accomplished high academic achievements throughout and played on the football team while attending Dunbar Senior High School. He graduated with honors in 1961. He joined and served the US Army -- a Vietnam War veteran. We thank him for his service. Afterwards, he gained employment at the US Department of Agriculture and worked there until his retirement as a departmental head with 47 years of federal government service.

Striving to meet his mother’s desires and expectations, Walter was always a high achiever in all his endeavors, passionate about doing the right thing, and doing it correctly. He would easily step-up to take charge of situations to better them to avoid any hardships or mishaps. At an early age, he took on a leadership role and set a model role for his siblings; that he expected them to follow and conduct themselves accordingly. Through a deep smiling countenance, he extended opened hands to serve, support, care for, protect, and guide those whom he loved, and those he befriended and acquainted, alike. He was a father, a brother, and a friend to many.

Walter vowed marriage to his beloved admirer and friend, Mary of Washington, DC; and lived an enjoying cheerful life with her and her family until her passing in March, 2007. He quietly grieved the deaths of both, his wife and of his late mother until his departure. Without hesitation in conversations, he would always express this fact. Shortly before his passing, he requested the telephone to call his mother to talk with her. AMEN!

His marital family writes: Walter (Granddad), God blessed our lives over 8 years ago to take care of and watch him enjoy his golden years. Granddad leaves us with some amazing memories and stories that we can look back at and laugh to no end. Or village together made Walter’s life so much more fulfilled with joy, happiness, and lots of LOVE! We’ll miss you until we meet again. Walter is survived by his daughter: Diane (Sheffey) Gasaway; grandson, Anthony Sheffey, Sr. Two great-grandchildren, Anthony Jr and London Sheffey; two sisters, Cheryl Lloyd-Bey and LaVerne Dennis; nephews, Demetrius Lloyd-Bey Sr., Alhambra Lloyd-Bey, and Antwan Dennis; niece; Miesha Dennis; cousins; Ronald Sheffey, Verna Hawes, Florence, Jacqueline Bradshaw, and Sheila Marshall; Brother-in-law, Jacky Dennis. By marriage, he leaves behind his grandson, the son he never had, David V. Washington, Sr. and his wife, Yolanda A. Washington; Daughter in law, Nancy West, great-grandsons; David L. Windy, David V. Washington, Jr. (DJ) and Darrell R Foster; A host of many other relatives, and friends. Our beloved soldier will surely be missed.