Annie Laura Barnett

Annie’s mother later met and married her stepfather Obediah F. Lucas, and the family relocated to Houston, Tx. in 1932. She continued her education in public school, and later graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Independence Heights around 1940.

In 1942, Annie married U.S. Marine Warren Oueilhe of Lafayette, LA when he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. On Sept. 29, 1944, their first daughter Nannette Oueilhe was born, and their second daughter, Gwendolyn Oueilhe was born on Dec. 2, 1948, when Annie moved back to Houston, Texas.

Annie was a devoted mother, grandmother and a very hard-working lady. She worked at the historic Club Matinee in Houston’s Fifth Ward district where she met her longtime friend of 80 years, Ida Mae McDaniel, fondly known to her family as “Aunt Mae”. She also worked as a staff caterer for Upchurch Catering that serviced many high society functions back in the day.

It was during these years that Annie met her husband Carlton Walker, and they resided together in the home built by her father at 8506 N. Main until Carlton’s death in 1982.

Annie eventually landed a job as a line cook with Shell Oil Refinery where she worked for 45 years until her retirement.

Annie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Greater Mt. Zion MBC under the direction of the late Rev. Dr. M. A. Williams. She was a member of the Pastors Aide, served on the Mission Board, and was a regular attendee at Sunday school and Bible Study. Annie loved her church and her Pastor and was always willing to donate whatever was needed. She worked with the Outreach Ministry visiting nursing homes and worked alongside her daughter Nannette Hayes to feed and provide clothing for the needy.

Annie is preceded in death by her husbands, Warren Oueilhe and Carlton Walker; Daughters, Nannette Hayes (Leroy) and Gwendolyn Zephyn (Frank Foster), Grandsons, Christopher Oueilhe (Ann) and George Brown Jr. (Denise); and Grandson-in-law Ronald Venson.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Granddaughters, Nannette Venson, Yolanda Glover, and Laura Williams; Grandsons, Jeffery Brown (LaQuinca), and Ronnie Zephyn; 25 Great Grandchildren, 33 Great-Great Grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.