Promoted to Glory: Major Carolyn Walters

Major Carolyn Walters was Promoted To Glory on February 17, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was 79.

Carolyn Almenda Reeves was born on June 11, 1943, in Albany, Georgia, to Elbert Sanders (Sr.) and Effie Reeves. She and her twin sister, Evelyn, met The Salvation Army at the age of 11, when they went to Sunbeams and loved it so much, they became very active in the Albany Corps; going on to Girl Guards, Sunday School, Young People's Legion, band, songsters, open-air, visitation and many other programs offered at the corps.

In the corps band, Carolyn played alto horn and in songsters proved quite a singer with her lovely soprano voice. In January 1956, she knelt at the Mercy Seat at the Albany Corps and gave her heart to the Lord. That March, she was enrolled as a junior soldier.

In 1957, she felt the call to Salvation Army Officership while attending a Youth Councils. Arriving back to her home corps, her officer, Major Bowman, began giving her encouragement in preparation to enter the training college. At age 18, she and her twin sister entered training as members of the Heroes Of The Faith Session of cadets.

With her commissioning on May 31, 1964, Carolyn's first appointment was to Atlanta (Clark Howell); followed by posts to Toccoa and Athens, Georgia.

On April 11, 1970, Carolyn married Captain Ben Walters and together they served in Savannah, Elberton, Atlanta (Lakewood), and Waycross, Georgia; Sherman, Dallas (Oak Cliff), and Galveston, Texas; Harrisonburg, Virginia; Oklahoma City (Citadel), Oklahoma; Gadsden, Alabama; and Orangeburg, South Carolina.

During their appointment in Orangeburg, Ben was diagnosed with bone cancer, leading to their early retirement in 1997—with faithful service as active officers for over 34 years. Even in retirement they remained faithful in their work for the Lord. Major Ben Walters was Promoted To Glory on August 16, 1999.

Major Carolyn Walters is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ben; and her parents. She is survived by her children: Major Ben (Rhonda) Walters, Jr.; Charles (Elmarie) Walters; Monica (Doug) Moore; and Roni Walters; as well as 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Evelyn Reynolds, Lynne Cox, Grace Anderson, Diane Shores, Buddy Reeves, and Jean Nelms; and other family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Atlanta (Temple) Corps. Her Committal Service will follow at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta.

—Major Frank Duracher