Celebrating the Life of Tomika Racquel Walters July 16, 1968 - August 18, 2013 Saturday, August 24, 2013 11:00 A.M. Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1692 Old Savannah Road Augusta, Georgia q Reverend Anthony McElrath, Pastor Reverend Karlton Howard, Eulogist Pallbearers Kip Rhone Cedric Ruff Reginald Elam, III Herman Ruff Kendrick E. Lanham Jerome Carter Thearon Taylor Ben Brown Michael Blackwell Jamie Hay Brian Lewis Flower Attendants Vivian AlexanderNija Barnes AT&T Co-workers q Acknowledgements The Dunn and Walters Families wish to express sincere thanks and appreciation for all expressions of sympathy and kindness shown to them during this time of bereavement. The family will acknowledge all acts of kindness shown to them later in the Augusta Chronicle. q W. H. Mays Mortuary “Professional Service A Family Tradition Since 1922” 1221 James Brown Boulevard Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 722-6401 Design/Printing By: Augusta Blueprint * Augusta, Georgia * (706) 722-6488 www.augustafuneralnotices.com Acknowledgements OK My heart is broken Tears are streaming everyday But yet I can hear you saying . . . It’s OK Don’t be sad, you tell me Do as you taught me to do - Just pray Because I still love you . . . OK OK Kel I hear you I will wipe these tears away Because I know I will see you someday . . . OK - I Love You Mom (Kel) - When Tomorrow Starts Without Me When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not there to see. If the sun should rise and find your eyes, All filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things, we didn’t get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too; but when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready, in heaven far above, and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love; but as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die. I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do, it almost seemed impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I’d say good-bye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile; but then I fully realized, that this could never be, for emptiness and memories, would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne, he said, “This is eternity, and all I’ve promised you. Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day’s the same way there’s no longing for the past. You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free. So won’t you come and take my hand and share my life with me?” So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right here, in your heart. In Loving Memory Obituary Tomika Racquel Walters was born in Americus, Georgia on July 16, 1968 to Jane Frederick Dunn and Havolia Walters. “Kel”, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, will always have a special place in our hearts and always be remembered. Kel attended Henry Johnson Elementary School in Johnson City, Tennessee, where she was a cheerleader. After moving to Augusta, Kel attended Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and was in the first graduating class of 1986. Kel went on to further her education at Gordon Junior College in Barnesville, Georgia. She later transferred to Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, Georgia to be with her cousin and friend, Dexter Wakefield. At an early age, Kel joined and was baptized at Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang on various choirs and was part of the youth department under Sister Mary Wiley, as the director. Kel was loved by many; she was especially loved by her aunt, Ella and uncle, Wake. Kel was the apple of their eyes, and she knew it. Through life’s journey, Kel never knew the meaning of the word stranger, because of her love for people. Through her life’s journey Kel was lovingly teased about her talking with everyone she met, and for the last ten plus years, her communication skills were utilized at AT&T doing what she loved, “talking”. Photos Kel loved children and was blessed with Chanika (“B.D.” as her mom would call her), her only child. Kel was determined to leave good memories for Chanika to cherish her life legacy. Kel was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leila Frederick and James Frederick and Sammie and Irene Walters, all of Americus, Georgia. Kel loved her family dearly and leaves to mourn: her daughter, Chanika Janelle Walters of Augusta, Georgia; parents, Jane and Nathaniel Dunn, Havolia Walters of Americus, Georgia and Henry and Panella Myrick of Hephzibah, Georgia; sisters, Karen Nicole Myrick and Juana Chante’ Myrick of Augusta, Georgia, Tukeithia Michelle Walters of Warner Robbins, Georgia and Tukeiko C. Walters of Americus, Georgia; brother, Havolia Walters, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia; stepsister, Shemiah Dunn Harvey of Augusta, Georgia; goddaughter, Javmine Smith of Augusta, Georgia; devoted aunt and uncle, Ella and Thomas Wakefield of Americus, Georgia; special friend, Norman V. Carter of Augusta, Georgia; best friend, Loquita Gibson Smith of Augusta, Georgia; an abundance of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends that she loved unconditionally. Obituary Celebration Service Musical Prelude Processional Selection ................................................................................................................................. Green Grove Gospel Choir Scriptures Old Testament ............................................................................................................... Reverend James Williams New Testament ................................................................................................. Reverend Michael Cunningham Americus, Georgia Selection ................................................................................................................................................. Brothers in Christ Reflections (Two Minutes Please) Family Friend .................................................................................................................. Margaret & Lew Rhone Friend ........................................................................................................................................ Norman V. Carter AT&T Co-workers ................................................................................................ Tawanaca McIntosh Williams Chalavar Elam Jessica Nunn Solo .................................................................................................................................................................... Veta Carter Obituary ......................................................................................................................................................... Read Silently Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... Mary Warren Selection ................................................................................................................................................. Brothers in Christ Words of Comfort .................................................................................................................... Reverend Karlton Howard Recessional Interment ....................................................................................................................................... Walker Memorial Park - Repast Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Celebration Service