Bobbie Jean Nowell Walton, 76, a devoted wife, mother, “Granny,” and friend entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord April 13, 2025, at her home in Starkville, Miss., with her husband and boys by her side.
Bobbie was born on November 24, 1948, in Starkville, Miss., and lived a life that fully reflected the love of Christ to all those around her. She graduated from Starkville High School in 1966 and married Johnny Glenn Walton on July 26, 1970, after graduating from Mississippi State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a business emphasis and later a master’s degree in Vocational Education. Bobbie went on to teach 33 years right next door to Johnny at Pascagoula High School’s Vocational-Technical Center. While teaching, she served as the Future Business Leaders of America advisor as well as a Troop Leader for her boys’ Cub Scout troops. She volunteered many hours for the Pascagoula Hardwood Club while supporting her boys’ basketball careers. She was a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa and served twice as treasurer and twice as president. After her retirement and Hurricane Katrina, Bobbie and Johnny relocated to Starkville in 2006. Throughout her life, she was an active member of a number of organizations, including Jaycees, Alpha Delta Pi, Daughters of the American Revolution, Philanthropic Educational Organization, United Methodist Women, Starkville Newcomers’ Club, the Starkville Emmaus community, and a volunteer for Starkville’s adult education and the Oktibbeha County Hospital. She served many years on the Mississippi State Wesley Foundation Board and was a founding member of Starkville Global Methodist Church. She also made frequent trips to Baldwin, La., to volunteer at the UMCOR supply depot.
She enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, camping, cheering on her kids and grandkids in their many sporting events, playing canasta and bunko. But there was nothing Bobbie loved more than spending time in God’s word and holding up her loved ones in prayer during her daily quiet time.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Johnny Walton; sons Jay (Stephanie) Walton of Nashville, Tenn., and Reverend Jeff (Laura) Walton of Wiggins, Miss.; her granddaughters Cristina (Malik) Shaheed (Belton, Texas), Ruby Walton, and Aniya Walton and grandsons, Willie Walton, Riley Walton and Eli Walton. She was preceded in death by her parents Hubert and Inez (Chambers) Nowell of Starkville, Miss.
She will be remembered as a devoted wife, proud mother and loving “Granny” to her family and as a loyal and supportive cousin and friend by her extended family and many, many friends.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 11:00-1:00 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the service immediately following. Burial will be in Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville.
Memorials can be made to Starkville Global Methodist Church or the Mississippi State University Wesley Foundation.
