Mrs. Jalania Eldora Walton-Cooper

Jalania E. Walton-Cooper was born on May 16, 1932, in Orangeburg, South Carolina to the late Isaiah Jamison, Sr and the late Elizabeth Yon (Jamison Burton). She departed this life on July 2, 2021, at Doctor’s Community Hospital.

She was lovingly called “Lani” by her family and friends. Lani was the oldest of her siblings, Isaiah Jamison, Jr (deceased), Melvin Jamison, Sr, Hattie Burton, Wilbert Burton (deceased), Adlade Burton (deceased), and Diane Burton.

Lani was married to the late Fredrick Jackson in Washington, DC. They had two daughters, Troye E. Jackson (deceased), Sharon Jackson, and one son, Eric Jackson. After her divorce from Fredrick Jackson, she was married to the late Rev. Joseph Walton, Sr until his death in November 1989. They had one son, Tyrone (Tony) Walton. In 2002, she was married to Arthur Cooper until his death in May 2014.

Lani graduated from Cardoza High school in 1950. After high school, her employment over the years was in several capacities, such as a factory worker in a pickle factory and in an accounting personnel role at the Government Printing Office (GPO). However, her primary employment was as a government purchaser for the Department of Navy for 28+ years in Washington, DC.

After her retirement, Lani enjoyed playing Pinochle, spades, dominoes, and going to the “CASINA” (as she affectionately called it) to play the slot machines. Prior to retirement, Lani was an avid bowler who consistently averaged in the 180s. She was a longtime member of the Lamond-Riggs and Preston 151 (she was league secretary) leagues at Fair Lanes University. She would also accompany her son, Tony to Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) events up and down the east coast. She also enjoyed spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren.

Lani is survived by her two sons, Eric Jackson (Veronica), Tyrone (Tony) Walton (Stephanie), daughter Sharon Jackson; former daughter-in-law, Tonda Joseph-Jackson; grandchildren, Nicole Cotton, Erakah Joseph, Antoine Walton, Cydney Walton, Zuri Walton, Shontia Joseph, Neeky Joseph, Sacorius Joseph, Jamar Brooks, John Gray, Jr, and Jasmine Gray; great-grandchildren, Anaiya Cotton, Quiyani Natividad, Zakiah Graham, Camaia Joseph, and Isaiah Walton; nieces, Denise Jamison-Spriggs, Angel Goodman, Robin Jamison, Stephanie Jamison, Elaine Burton, Karen Burton-Jackson; nephews, Reginald Jamison, Melvin Webb, Melvin Jamison, Jr, and Jerry Burton; “adopted” son, Kelly Bell; and hosts of great-nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.