Obituary of Leibert A. Walters

Leibert Archibald Walters, affectionately known as Nobby, was born on January 1, 1937, in Mt Moriah in St. Ann, Jamaica. He was the son of Elma Reid and Bertram Walters, and the middle child of two other siblings, Elaine Walters and Leroy (Phil) Lindo. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

He completed his secondary schooling in Jamaica and was always a hard worker. He taught himself how to cut hair and ran a make-shift barber shop in front of his mom’s house after working his day job at the Income Tax Department.

At age 21, he became a father to Marie Walters. In his pursuit to find himself, he later became interested in Christianity and got connected with a church, Marvely Gospel Hall in Kingston, Jamaica. Four years later, while at church, he met the love of his life, Verna (Norma) Gilpin. During his lunch breaks from the Income Tax Dept, Leibert and Verna would eat and pray together. The two were married about 2 years later on August 12, 1967 and remained married for 54 years. This union produced two children, Christopher and Ingrid.

Leibert later had the opportunity to join his father who was living in Troy, OH. Going to OH would provide a better chance to financially support his family and pursue the hope of permanently moving the family to the U.S. While in OH, he learned a new trade by attending welding school. He and Verna were also introduced to the Church of Christ and were later baptized. After a short stay with Verna’s mom, Chris and Ingrid joined their parents in the U.S. at their new home in Lubbock, TX, while Marie lived with her mom in London, England. While in Lubbock, TX, Leibert attended the Sunset School of Preaching, Lubbock Christian College, and received his first full time preaching job as the minister of the 20th & Birch Street Church of Christ. Leibert loved learning, studying, and reading. He took various courses, certificate programs, and immersed himself in the Bible and countless other books.

In 1979, Leibert became the minister at the East Capitol Street Church of Christ in Washington, DC, where he remained until his retirement in 2007. After retirement, he and Verna visited different congregations, with Leibert frequently assisting with preaching. The couple later placed membership at the Prince George’s Church of Christ and were very instrumental in their Seniors Ministry. After the passing of their full- time minister, Bro. Daniel Lester, the East Capitol Street Church of Christ asked Leibert to work with the congregation on an interim basis while they searched for a new minister. Leibert and Verna were happy to return home!

Leibert was a proud Jamaican and would routinely cook up ackee and saltfish, fried dumplings, and plantain, “just because”. He was practical, resourceful, and loved a great bargain. He was a jokester with an infectious smile, and the kind of laugh that made you laugh, even if you didn’t get the joke. Leibert loved God. He believed that everyone deserved a chance, or two, or ten. He loved his kids and family, and he loved and adored his Verna!

To cherish his memory, Leibert leaves his wife, Verna; his children, Marie Walters, Chris Walters (Trammell), and Ingrid Wilkerson (Pete); eight grandchildren, Natasha, Cory, Marissa, and Darnell (Marie); Jordin and Trevor (Chris); and Jacoby and Isaiah (Ingrid); and a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins.