Michelle (Rouse) Walters

A Life of Deep Faith and Devotion

Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

It is with gratitude for a life well-lived that the family of Laura Michelle Rouse Walters announces her passing into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, June 22, 2026. Michelle fought a courageous battle with cancer. She shared her faith with doctors and nurses during her treatments and visits, and many lives were touched.

Michelle is the daughter of Rev. Wayne and Charlotte Rouse and sister to Rev. Matt Rouse (Christie) children (Andrew and Abigail). Michelle was born on April 12, 1972. She Accepted Jesus as her Savior at the young age of 3 after hearing her mother teach a Bible lesson and beginning to ask questions. She continued to grow in the knowledge of God, made a recommitment at the age of 10, and was baptized. Michelle went on to receive many other blessings from God. She walked with Jesus each day, sharing His love and light with everyone. She loved the Bible and studied it regularly.

Michelle was the devoted wife of Franklin Walters for 33 years and mother to Micah, Noah (Olivia), and Hannah Victoria (Jackson Gilbert). Her highest joy was serving Jesus, being a wife, and becoming a mother. She loved her family fiercely. She and Franklin recently became grandparents to Colton. She was excited to be a grandmother and looked forward to many happy times with him. Michelle taught her children the importance of God’s Word, prayer, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

Michelle also had a host of other dear and precious family members, including aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, brother-in-laws and others. She loved them all and looked forward to family times.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Thomas and Sally Tinsley of Oneonta, Alabama, and Curtis and IIava Rouse of Pearl, Mississippi. There were many aunts, uncles, a cousin, and a niece that preceded her in death. I am sure there will be a tremendous reunion.

Michelle graduated from high school and college with honors. She attended East Coast Bible College in Charlotte, North Carolina, on a scholarship and earned an associate degree in Bible and Music. She then transferred to Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, earning a BS in secondary education with emphasis in English. She taught junior high and high school English and served as a sponsor and advisor for the yearbook and the newspaper. Many students, even in other classes, sought her out as someone who would take time to listen, give advice, and help them with their work. She left her teaching career to be at home with her children and home-schooled all of them. Michelle was a credentialed minister in the Church of God. She served as Minister of Music, Bible teacher, children’s speaker, women’s speaker, worked with puppets, and served as mail carrier for the city of Clanton.

Michelle was gifted in many areas of the arts and participated in Teen Talent, winning many categories in photography, creative writing, monologue, piano, and Bible teaching. Later, she won International Bible Teaching at the Church of God General Assembly. While at East Coast, she was a member of the East Coast Chorale under David Culberson. She also sang with Sammy Oxendine and Covenant. They traveled to churches and youth camps throughout the South and made one recording. They also traveled through Europe, singing in many churches and servicemen’s centers. While at Lee University, she sang and traveled with the Campus Choir under the direction of David Horton. Michelle used her voice to sing, teach, and play music everywhere she went. She was a blessing to many.

Michelle’s exceptional faith was the anchor of her life. Whether in times of joy or trials, she trusted in God’s promises and brought peace to those around her.  Today, we take comfort in knowing that she heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” It was her prayer that all her family and friends would accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life.

A celebration of Life service and visitation will be held at First Assembly of God in Clanton, Alabama, on Saturday, June 27. Visitation Will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pastor Randy Reid officiating. Burial at Chilton Memorial Gardens will be held on Sunday, June 28, at 3:00 p.m.

Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com