Sevela Michelle Perry Walker

Sevela Michelle Perry-Walker, affectionately known as “Chelle”, was reared by the late Bettye R. Taylor Dowdy and Rev. Melvin Dowdy. Being an only child, she was loved dearly by her mother. She and her mother had a very special relationship and she supported her every endeavor. Even though her parents took care of her and loved her dearly, she as the “apple of her grandmother’s eye”, Cecelia “Dovie” Taylor.

Sevela was an extremely gifted child; blessed by God with the gift of music and drama. She was educated in the Public Schools – J. H. Hines, Viking Hills, and Tennyson Junior High. She attended Jefferson-Moore High School and graduated in 1983. As a student she was on the Student Council, sang in the choir, member of the Drama Club and served as an Athletic Trainer. She was loved and adored by her classmates and was a joy to be around.

Sevela attended Baylor University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications in December 1990. While attending Baylor, she pledged Nu Iota Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Sevela received Christ at an early age and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Ulysses C. Barnes. As she matriculated through life, she united with Pleasant Olive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Monty E. Francis. She was a member of the Royal Ambassador Choir under the leadership of Minister Michael McFrazier. This choir was a vision of Rev. Francis which blessed the congregation and community whenever they ministered. Her melodious soprano voice along with her tambourine could be heard and enjoyed each time the Royal Ambassadors ministered in song.

Because she loved to sing, she became a member of AVOW (Anointed Voices of Worship) – a choir which was formed as a vision of Minister D’Juan Adamson. This choir took her to places that she had a story for each engagement.

During high school, she met the “only one she had eyes for” in the person of Darrell Wayne Walker I. They started out as the best of friends; just hanging out, laughing, and having fun at “Bettye D’s” (not knowing that they would become soul mates). “Chelle” married the love of her life on November 2, 1984. They shared a story book romance that lasted over 32 years. During this union the Lord blessed them with four beautiful children: Darrell Wayne I, Tiffany Monique, Bianca A’Jahn, and Hailee Noel.

Upon graduation, Sevela taught at Waco ISD, worked as the Circulation Manager for Waco Tribune Herald and finally gained employment with the United States Postal Service. While employed at the Post Office, she became a supervisor and worked until her health declined.

Sevela was a woman of uniqueness. She enjoyed the latest fashions and fads, shopping, but her love was “getting the groceries”. We will never forget Sevela! Her love for her family and friends are attributes that made her who she was. To know her was to love her! Even though we thought she left us too early, she was on schedule with our Heavenly Father.

Sevela was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Cecelia “Dovie” Taylor and Ruthie Mae Cadd Green; mother, Bettye R. Taylor Dowdy and her loving husband Darrell Wayne Walker I.

Friday, December 5, 2014, Sevela got her wings and golden slippers and went to be with her Heavenly Father. We are thankful for the time we spent together on this side. With much love she leaves to cherish her memories: her children, Darrell II “Lil D”, Tiffany “Tiffy”, Bianca “BB” and Hailee, all of Waco, Tx; father, Rev. Melvin Dowdy (Raynell), Houston, Tx; step-sister, Kristine Dowdy and step-brother, Peter Dowdy, both of Houston, Tx; God-son, Elijah Paul Boarman, Waco, Tx

Two brothers-in-law, James Terry Walker II (Judy) and Jesse Walker I, both of Waco, Tx; two sisters-in-law, Valla Walker Ware, Arlington, Tx and Sheila Walker, Waco, Tx; a devoted niece, Brittany Walker, Waco, Tx; loyal, longtime friend, Ken Mays, Arlington, Tx and a host of numerous cousins and friends; too many to name.

Special Sisterhood: Teresa Mays, Felecia “Flee” Worthey-Mendez, Joy Hutchings, Robbie Degrate, Teneal High-Bell, Julia Boarman, Phyllis Walton-Jones and Chandra Washington.

Memorial donations can be made to the family of Sevela Walker at First Convenience Bank c/o Darrell Walker account # 418977849