Norene L.  Walls

Obituary

Norene L. Walls
March 18, 1930-January 27, 2016


Norene Lucille was born on March 18, 1930 to Wallace William Vaughn and Amanda Elizabeth (Johnson) Vaughn. Norene was raised in Staunton, Virginia and demonstrated, early in her life, a love for Jesus Christ. She was a brilliant student and graduated, with honors, from Booker T. Washington High School at 17 years of age.

Norene enrolled in Virginia State University and became the first person in her family to attend college. Norene excelled at math, biology and chemistry. Norene was athletic, an excellent swimmer and diver. She earned the distinction of becoming the first Black female lifeguard in her hometown of Staunton, Va.

On December 5, 1949, Norene married Talmadge “DeWitt’ Walls. Three daughters were born of this union: Deborah Renee, Karen Michelle and Lynn Elizabeth.

Norene found her calling in health care, serving in Nursing Homes and Mercy Hall Catholic Hospice, in Detroit, Michigan. Norene’s love of science and biology landed her a position as a microbiologist in the laboratory of Detroit’s Osteopathic Hospital.

On June 29, 2013, Norene lost her life-long friend and husband, DeWitt. He was 86 years old. On Tuesday, January 27, 2016, Norene walked proudly thru the gates of heaven. DeWitt had been patiently waiting for her to join him. He smiled and took her by the hand. Together, they walked quietly into eternal paradise. Norene will be forever loved and remembered by her beloved family and friends.