May 19, 2007 Dolores (Pace) Nettles Walker's OBITUARY

Her life’s race is run…"Worn and Tired", Now She Rests…

Dolores (Pace) Nettles Walker was born October 3, 1936, in Texarkana, Texas, to the proud parents of Letties and RosiaAnna Pace.  She was the eighth child of fifteen.  Dolores departed this life, May 12, 2007. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, six brothers: Letties Jr., Quincy Vernell, James Edwards, Jesse Lee, Eddie Lee and Coties; one sister: Queen Esther and one step son, Ralph Walker, Jr.

Dolores attended Zion Hill Elementary School, Rosborough Junior High, Hooks High school and Santa Monica Jr. College. 

In 1952 she married the love of her life, Damous B. Nettles. To this union, four children were born: Michelle Nettles Miller, Damous D. Nettles, Gary Nettles and Jerry Nettles.  In 1953 they moved to Venice California where she joined with Bethel COGIC, under the leadership of Pastor and Superintendent, Elder S.L. Shepherd.  There she was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. At Bethel she served as Coordinator for The Women’s Department, Hospitality Department and Sunshine Band. She was the YPWW President and Sunday School Teacher.  She was also the District Coordinator for the YPWW.  In January 1965, Damous B., departed this life, leaving Dolores as the Head of the Household.  In 1967 she married Curtis Lee Ross.  To this union, Lisa Dora Felicia Ross was born in 1968.  In 1970, she joined with Philadelphia Faith Temple COGIC, under Elder Wilbert McNair-Pastor.  She served as the Coordinator for the Hospitality and Women’s Departments.  In 1980 she joined with Fountain of Life COGIC, under Elder Isom McCray, Pastor. There she served as Programs and Hospitality Coordinator. In 1987, Dolores married Elder Ralph W. Walker.  In 1987 she joined with Sweet Embrace COGIC under Elder Lewis, Pastor. She served as the Sunday School Teacher and Women’s Department and Hospitality Coordinator. In 1992 Elder and Missionary Dolores Walker opened the doors under the spirit of the Lord, Revival Tabernacle COGIC in Rancho Cucamonga. She served as First Lady and became the District Missionary for the 3^rd Jurisdiction under Bishop Nathaniel Jones.  In 2001 Elder Walker departed this life.  In 2003 she rejoined Sweet Embrace COGIC now under Pastor Charles Watson. In 2005, she joined with Greater New Jerusalem COGIC under Pastor H.C. Pugh.  She was an active member of the Mother’s Board, Assistant Church Mother and Women’s Department Advisor for the church newsletter.

Starting in 1963, she worked for the Registrar Recorder and held Community Polling Places.  In 1983 she worked for the County Of Los Angeles as a Receivables Clerk and a Secretary.  She also worked for the Career Planner Center as a Vocational and Job Search Counselor.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children: two daughters: Michelle Miller (Wil) of West Covina, Ca, and Lisa Ross of Rialto, Ca; three sons: Damous Nettles, Gary Nettles and Jerry Nettles of Rialto, California.  She has five step children: William, Phillip, Clara and Debbie Walker of L.A. Ca.  She has four grandchildren: Little Michelle Mason (Ronnie) of Van Nuys, Ca, Tiffany Nettles of Las Vegas Nevada, Jacinda Williams of Rialto California, and Steven Nettles of Rialto Ca.  She has two great-grandchildren Aziah Mason of Van Nuys, Ca, and Mikaylah Simeus of Las Vegas Nevada.  She has five surviving sisters: Helen Williams of Chicago, Ill., Floriner Randel of Texarkana, Tx, Allie Riser (Moses) Compton, Ca, Ruthie Evans (Leonard) of Tulare, Ca, and Ruby Pace of Birmingham, Al.  She has two surviving brothers, Frank Pace of Compton, Ca. and David Pace of Palm Springs, Ca. She has a sister-in-law, Daisy Pace of Flint, Mich. She has two special cousins, Doris Coleman (Noble) of Gardena, Ca, and Bernice Riles (Sam) of Texarkana, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Al was born on June 20, 1927 to the late Purley and Alzora Runnels in Hooks, Texas.

Al is a descendant of Susan Keeling, daughter of Lewis Keeling.  Use this link for more information on Susan Keeling. 

Al Runnels became a member of the Burns Church of Christ in 1960 where he remained a faithful member unto death. He met and married the late Carrie Lee Forte. To this union, seven children were born. His daughter, Helen Marie Reed, and infant son, and granddaughter, Brandi Washington preceded him in death.