Miriam Idalia Walters

Born on July 18, 1952 in New York, New York, Miriam was the second child and oldest daughter of Iris and Mooreland Sarauw, both originally from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. She graduated from Central Commercial High School in New York where she then went on to pursue a career in Administrative Services. After completing her certification in shorthand and honing her stellar typing skills she began a successful career with Texaco, the United States Military, and finally the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)where she retired. Miriam married her childhood friend Vernon Walters in New York on June 1, 1975 and with him Miriam led a quiet life that was centered on loving her family and friends and raising three children all around the world – from Kentucky, Kansas, Germany to their last stop in Hampton, Virginia. Miriam was a source of generosity, compassion and strength and her sweet spirit will definitely leave a lasting impact on all who knew and loved her.

Miram found joy in being peaceful and loved puzzles, old movies, playing Scrabble and reading. Whether she knew it or not she was known and beloved for her amazing culinary skills to include classics such as her iconic potato salad and pineapple tart and callaloo recipes; her warm and inviting home atmosphere and memorable holidays; her infectious laugh; and her passion and steadfast commitment to anything and anyone involving her family and friends. She found simple pleasure in playing lottery scratch offs, caring for her plants, talking on the phone, shopping and spending time with and doting on her only granddaughter, Micayla.

Miriam Idalia Walters is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Vernon Jerome Walters; her children Nichelle Dawn McNeil, Monique Ebony Whitfield, Bruce Vernon Walters; her son in law Marcus McNeil and granddaughter Micayla Jordan McNeil. She is preceded in death by her parents Iris and Mooreland Sarauw and her younger sister Julia Boyer with her two brothers Derek Sarauw and Kevin Sarauw surviving. Miriam has a brother in law Mark Walters, and sisters in law Delores Walters, Zulma Walters and Lorraine Walters and two brothers in law who precede her in death: Bruce Walters and Nathaniel Walters along with a host of nieces and nephews she loved dearly including Derek Sarauw Jr., Kristin Smith, Angela Sarauw Chamberlain, Nathaniel Walters Jr., Melissa Boyd, Dennis Sarauw, Robert Boyer, Mark Walters, Nicole Boyer and Nicole Myers.

A small celebration of life and viewing service will be held on January 3, 2025 at 3:30 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Services located at 2551 N Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23666.