Wardell McElrath Belton Walker was born February 26, 1930, in Kellyton, Alabama. She was the seventh of ten children born to John Wesley McElrath and Mattie Flora McElrath (Maxwell). Wardell moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1945 and attended Rawlings Jr. High. She graduated from John Hay High School in 1950.

Wardell married Calvin Belton on November 18, 1950, and to this union six children were born. In 1962, Wardell assumed the role of sole breadwinner, valiantly tackling the challenges of single motherhood. Wardell never faltered; leaning on her faith, family, and fortitude to meet her responsibilities to love, protect, and educate her children.

Wardell worked at The Ohio Bell Company and later the Veterans Administration – Loan Guaranty Division, where she was a Loan Guaranty Officer.  Wardell loved her job, counseling veterans in danger of losing their homes. Wardell retired from the VA in 1995 and subsequently worked part-time at The May Company, Ohio Title Bureau, and R.A. Prince Funeral Home.

Wardell had an engaging personality, inquisitive nature, and a big, beautiful smile.  She loved to read, garden, travel, and exercise. She enjoyed long daily walks, lifting weights in the pool, and Zumba classes at the Solon Senior Center.  Wardell belonged to a travel club and ventured across the US and overseas; her favorite places being Cancun, Disneyworld, and Italy. Her last excursion, in 2019, was a cruise to Greece with family and friends.

Wardell was a member of the Dynasty Investment Club employing her father’s advice, “For every dollar you earn, save a dime.”  She loved to read Suzie Orman investment books, cookbooks, and novels.  She always had a big garden and loved tending to her plants and teaching her grandkids gardening skills.

Wardell was a constant in friends and family members’ lives as she loved conversing on the phone to check on everyone’s well-being, learn, and share news and information.

Wardell accepted Christ as a child where she joined Phillipi Baptist Church.  In 1991, Wardell joined Lee Road Baptist Church where she served on the Membership Involvement Committee.  Wardell thoroughly enjoyed worship with her church family until May 2023, when she was no longer able to attend services.

Wardell enjoyed a full life with her large immediate family. She loved family gatherings, reunions, and especially Thanksgiving dinners where her sweet potato pie, broccoli rice casserole, and homemade rolls were devoured.  She enjoyed a lifetime of great experiences and health, up until her lung cancer diagnosis at age 91. Having never smoked, Wardell was surprised at her diagnosis, but never complained.  She continued walking, as much as she could, until July 2023 when she became too weak to enjoy her most favorite form of exercise. Throughout her illness, her faith sustained her.   She would often say, “It is God’s will, whatever HE wants to happen will happen.”

Wardell was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings (Brasure, Hubert, Lawrence, Harlin, Juanita, Lesley, and Wesley).  Her ex-husbands, Calvin Belton and Otis Walker, Jr. also preceded her in death.

Wardell leaves to mourn her memory, two sisters, Thelma Garlington (William) and Addis Ferrell (Sandy) and sister-in-law, Loretta McElrath (Wesley).

Wardell leaves to celebrate her life, six loving children: Marsha Lynn Yawn (Larry), Debra Ann Manuel (William), Patrick Eric Belton (Florence), Maria Rochelle Belton (Pamela), Bernadette Thelma Belton-Harper (Charles), Dr. Michael John Belton (Quintilia). Thirteen grandchildren: Lawrence, Charlemagne, Christopher, Ernest, LaTisha, Erica, Diane, Daniel, Samantha, Sydney, Savannah, Amber, and Rachel will miss their conversations with her. Seventeen great-grandchildren: Jamison, Camryn, Calia, Sophia, Anya, Janelle, Jasmine, Cortez, Savior, Frank, Gevon, Aleah, Vanessa, Greg Jr., Giovanni, and Jordyn will lovingly recall her hugs. A new life on the way will continue her legacy. Four great-great-grandchildren, Anthony, Trent, Juelz, and Chase will have family members’ stories to enhance their memories.  A host of relatives and friends, near and far, will cherish her memory.