Obituary for Malita Orita Walters

Malita Orita Walters was born on January 31, 1942, on the island of Nevis in the West Indies, to her mother, Marjorie Assent.

From an early age, Malita demonstrated a remarkable gift for learning. She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry in her spare time. Of all her subjects, mathematics was her favorite. At just 10 years old, her academic achievements distinguished her as one of the few children on the island of Nevis to receive a scholarship for higher education, enabling her to continue and complete her high school studies.

In 1958, at the age of 16, Malita journeyed to the United States with her mother, Marjorie Assent, and her two brothers, Antonio and Vincent Assent. After arriving in the United States, she continued her education and quickly became employed as a bookkeeper.

In 1980, Malita decided to further her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She attended York College in Jamaica, Queens, New York. While attending York College, Malita became deeply involved in the academic and student life of the college. During her four years there, she served in the Student Government Association as a senator, vice president, and ultimately president. In 1984, she graduated magna cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in education.

Following her graduation from York College, Malita continued her studies at Queens College in Flushing, Queens, New York, where she earned her master’s degree in 1985.

Malita’s Christian journey continued at City Tabernacle Seventh-day Adventist Church in Manhattan, New York, where she was actively involved in the choir and the Adventist Youth Society (AYS) department. It was there that she met Samuel Roy Walters Sr. Their relationship blossomed, and in August 1965, they were united in marriage.

Their union was blessed with two sons, Kyrk Anthony and Samuel Roy Jr. The family later moved to Washington, D.C., where they made their home for four years before returning to New York. In 1977, Malita and her family moved to Long Island, where they became active members of Springfield Gardens Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Malita’s faith was central to her life, and she faithfully served the Lord and her church in many capacities. Over the years, she served as Sabbath School superintendent, Sabbath School teacher, usher, choir member, children’s choir director, Pathfinder deputy director, and Adventist Youth Society leader.

With her brothers having relocated to Florida, Malita eventually decided to make Florida her home as well. Upon her arrival, she joined Mount Sinai Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she continued her lifelong dedication to Christian service. Her commitment to the church extended beyond her own participation. As devoted as Malita was to the work of the church, she expected the same spirit of involvement from her two sons, Kyrk and Samuel. They were raised to be active participants in church life, learning through their mother’s example the importance of faith, service, responsibility, and dedication.

In Florida, Malita served faithfully in the Sabbath School department, as well as in the Adventist Youth (AY) and Pathfinder ministries. She was also a member of the King’s Daughters and participated in the Excelsior drama group. Malita was always reaching out and willing to assist wherever there was a need. One of her greatest joys was caring for children and supporting families, and she consistently extended her time, energy, and compassion to those around her.

Malita’s life as an educator in Florida began at Lockhart Elementary. She transitioned through several roles, including third-grade and pre-K teacher, before finding a permanent professional home with the Orange County Head Start program. There, her work extended far beyond the classroom. Malita served children, parents, coworkers, and anyone she saw who needed a helping hand. She encouraged and assisted coworkers in furthering their education and took particular care to support families facing financial hardship.

Malita believed deeply in the transformative power of education. Although her profession centered on early childhood education, her influence reached learners of every age. She tutored and taught many adults, helping them advance academically from grammar school through college graduation. She also quietly and discreetly made sure that financially challenged parents participating in the Head Start program had food for themselves and their children. She continued caring for and serving others with this same generosity until her retirement.

Malita’s life reflected a love of learning, a strong devotion to family, a heart for helping others, and an enduring commitment to her faith.

Malita will be deeply missed by her sons, Sam (Michel) and Kyrk; her brother, Vincent (Anne); Maureen Assent; Ruth Walters; Cynthia Smith (101 years young); Diane Assent; Michelle and Merville Quailey; Brenda Sutherland; and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family members, and friends.

From the academically gifted young girl on the island of Nevis to the devoted wife, mother, educator, mentor, and servant of God she became, Malita’s life was marked by determination, discipline, compassion, generosity, and service to others. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the students she taught, in the adults she encouraged to pursue their education, in the families she quietly supported, and in the countless lives she touched through a lifetime of faith and service.