Annie Louise DeWalt

Annie Louise DeWalt (née Griffin), age 82, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, in Mequon, Wisconsin. Born on July 16, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama, Annie lived a life of faith, dedication, and love that touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Annie graduated from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her professional journey began in August 1963 at JC Penney's Catalog Division as a key punch operator. Over the course of an impressive 37-year career, she rose through the ranks to become Executive Director at the Milwaukee distribution center. Annie's work ethic and determination were a testament to her belief that success is attainable through perseverance and focus.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Annie cherished her family above all else. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Ray DeWalt Sr.; her daughter Sheila DeWalt; her sons Ray DeWalt Jr. (Moni) and Rodney DeWalt (Victoria); her grandchildren Derrick Washington, Mina DeWalt, Ray III (Trey) DeWalt and Sean Henson; and her great granddaughter Mariah McCain. She also leaves behind her beloved sister Gwendolyn Griffin and sisters-in-law Veatrice Baugh, Mary Darling, Valata DeWalt-Butler, Janice Hughes, Tamara DeWalt and a vast number of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Annie was predeceased by her parents Artis and Fred Griffin; her sisters Ellen Rose Dickson, Clametta (Dee Dee) Batton, and Ethel Griffin; her brothers Fred Griffin Jr., Arthur (AC) Griffin, and Thomas Griffin; as well as her parents-in-law Abner and Valeah DeWalt. She was also preceded in death by siblings-in-law Kenneth DeWalt, Barbara Johnson, Jacqueline DeWalt, and Georgianna DeWalt.

Annie's life was defined by service to others. A loving servant of the Lord, she dedicated herself to uplifting those around her. Whether leading reading tutorial programs at Garden Homes Elementary School in Milwaukee or participating in concerned parent groups and diversity initiatives within her community, Annie's impact was profound. She believed deeply in the power of education and community engagement to create lasting change.

In addition to her professional achievements and community involvement, Annie found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved gardening, taking long walks, traveling on vacations with loved ones, and visiting casinos in Las Vegas and Milwaukee. Above all else, she delighted in watching her family succeed—a source of immense pride for her.

Annie's unwavering faith guided every aspect of her life. One of her favorite scriptures reminds us: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." This verse encapsulates the spirit with which she lived—spreading love wherever she went.

Annie Louise DeWalt leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, faithfulness to God's teachings, and an enduring example of what it means to live a life full of purpose. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her as they carry forward the lessons she so graciously imparted.

A Funeral will be held on March 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Reid's New Golden Gate Funeral Home 5665 N. Teutonia Ave. Visitation is from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorial services begin at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Annie Louise DeWalt.