Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Johnnie Walraven

Eld. Johnnie E. Walraven, 80, a retired Baptist minister passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at his home in Willisville after a lengthy illness.

He was born November 21, 1922, in Fouke, to Johnny and Louise Hemperly Walraven.

He was a World War II Army veteran serving from November 1938 to July 1945, serving three years in the Horse Calvary and the other four years in the 361st Regiment, 91st Infantry in Italy. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, three Oak Leaf Clusters for the Campaigns, Combat infantry Badge, six Expert Metals, and the Purple Heart.

Before retiring he pastored New Liberty, Forest Hill, Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Springs, and Mt. Olive Baptist Churches.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his second father, Robert Young; three brothers, J.C. Walraven, Guy Walraven, and Winfred Young; a sister, Louise Cooper, and his beloved wife, Vurle Mason Walraven.

He was a member of White's Chapel Baptist Church.

Cherishing his memory are his daughter, Marva Nell Baldwin; his granddaughter and husband, Michelle and Chris Smith; two great-grandsons, Dakota Spencer Smith and Kaleb Wayne Smith, all of Willisville; his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Betty Young of Sealy, Texas; his sister-in-law, Bobbie Jean Walraven of Dubberly, La.; a brother-in-law, Paul Cooper of Arkadelphia and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Graveside services were Friday, June 27, 2003, at Willisville Cemetery with Bro. Jerry Evans officiating.

Pallbearers were Roy Dale Elliott, Tommy Ray Waters, Jimmy Joe Goodwin, Bobby Walthall, David Beard, and James Pennington. Arrangements were under the direction of Smith Funeral Home in Stamps.

Family received visitors Thursday, June 26, 2003, at the funeral home.