Curvey Walters

Curvey Walters a devoted mother and grandmother returned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from complications of Stage 4, Endometrial cancer. She was 63. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

She was born on January 9, 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona to Lonnie Walters, Sr. and Ethel Lue Walters (Glass). She grew up in a large, loving family with three brothers and two sisters in South Phoenix. She lost her mother at the young age of 9, yet she was blessed with continued love and protection when her father re-married her step-mother Katherine Walters.

Curvey obeyed the gospel and was baptized into Christ at an early age. Her obedience to God allowed her to remain steadfast in her faith as a Christian, with her church family at the Tonto Street church of Christ, Phoenix, AZ.

Curvey graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1971. It was there, where she began to exuded leadership and display her talents. She was the captain of the majorettes, homecoming queen, member of the modeling class, and voted as one of the best dressed on campus. Curvey, was no ordinary woman, 'it's no coincidence that her favorite color was "purple" - the classic symbol of royalty since ancient times - and Cleopatra's favorite color as well.' Curvey was a driven professional with a love for beauty and fashion. She was organized, thorough and displayed absolute elegance which helped her to pave the way in making history. She was crowned as the first Black, from Phoenix to represent the State of Arizona in the 1976 Miss U.S.A. beauty pageant as Miss Arizona Universe.

Curvey retired as a legal secretary in 2014, after working 25 years for the Arizona State Department of Insurance. Her resilience, strength and iron-willed helped her combat her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2002, and endometrial cancer in 2011, which metastasized to her lungs in 2014. She remained brave, and dedicated in her work and in her will to fight her illness. Curvey cherished various aspects of life but it was a testament to witness the love and passion shared between her and her daughter, especially throughout her final months.

Curvey is survived by her daughter, LaQuitha Major (better known as "Que"); grandson, LaMont William Laster, Jr.; two brothers, Garry Walters (wife; Kitty) and Larry Walters; two sisters, Doris Battiest and Dorothy Young (husband; Ronnie); and a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lonnie Walters, Jr. and step-mother, Katherine Walters.

Curvey's legacy will live on as she supports the cause for advance treatment for terminal diseases. She donated her body to Science Care, the world’s largest accredited whole body donation program. In remembrance of Curvey, her monument will be located at the Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona in the 'Walk of Palms'. Gone but never forgotten, condolences can be expressed at www.dignitymemorial.com under the obituaries tab.