Della M. Travis

A Time to be Born

On July 14, 1941, in Indianola, Mississippi, a precious soul entered the world: Della M. Smith Travis, born to Sylvester and Julia Perryman Smith. She was the second oldest of their children, blessed with three sisters who would remain lifelong companions, Dorothy Williams, Climmeeteen Paige, and Earnestine Belton, and one brother, Sylvester Smith Jr. From the very beginning, Della’s life was marked by love, faith, and family.

A Time to Reverence God

At the tender age of 12, Della was baptized in Jesus name and received the Holy Spirit under the leadership of Bishop William Elsy at the Apostolic Faith Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This moment ignited a lifelong devotion to God that shaped every step of her journey.

Her faith was not passive—it was active, vibrant, and deeply rooted. For 11 years, she taught the young adult class at the Church of the Holy Ghost, inspiring countless students with wisdom and compassion. She served faithfully as assistant Sunday School secretary on the national level under Bishop C. Poole at Bethlehem Healing Temple in Chicago, IL.

In Lockport, IL, she continued serving as the Sunday School secretary and youth chairman at Bethlehem Healing Temple. At Christ Temple in Joliet, IL, she became a pillar of the congregation—serving as assistant chair of Sunday School, secretary of the Home Missionary Department for 8 years, assistant chair of the Missionary Department for over 10 years, and ultimately Missionary Chair for 12 years.

Her service extended into many areas of ministry: she was a devoted usher, a faithful choir member who lifted her voice in praise; a respected member of the Mother Board, offering wisdom and guidance; and a consecrated deaconess, serving the church with dignity and grace.

Her ministry was marked by humility, strength, and unwavering dedication. Della’s legacy of faith will live on in the hearts of her family, her church, and all who were touched by her devotion to the Lord.

A Time to Love

In 1954, Della met the love of her life, Charles Travis. On July 12, 1959, at 2 PM, they were united in holy matrimony at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, 800 Princeton Street, Lockport, IL, with Elder Bishop W.M. Elsy officiating.

Though told she would not be able to have children, faith triumphed over doubt. During a prayer line, Mattie B. Poole prayed for her, and God answered. Miraculously, Della and Charles were blessed with five children: Charles Jr., Michael, Audrey, Curtis, and Kerriann.

Together, Charles and Della celebrated 63 years of love and devotion, a union that stood as a testament to God’s grace and the power of enduring love.

A Time to Learn and Work

Della attended Fairmont School and later graduated from Lockport High School in 1960. After graduation, she worked at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Joliet Arsenal) before pursuing her true calling—Education.

Believing deeply in the power of learning, she earned her Master’s degree in Education and completed 45 additional credits at National Louis University. She devoted 25 years to the Valley View School District 365U, beginning as a kindergarten teacher at Fairmont School for 2 years, then teaching 6th grade at Hubert Humphrey for 23 years.

Even after retirement, she continued to serve—working as a substitute teacher for 4 years, briefly as an assistant principal, and as Director of All My Children’s Daycare Center, a family business, for 8 years.

Her leadership extended beyond the classroom. Della served on the Board of Directors for Headstart, on the Lockport Township High School District 205 Board of Education for 4 years, and on the Fairmont School Board District 89 for 4 years, where she also served as School Board President. She faithfully worked at the polls during elections, ensuring that her community’s voice was heard.

Her life was a shining example of service, Education, and civic responsibility.

A Heart Full of Family Values

Della cherished family above all. She delighted in shopping, reading, traveling, and serving her church. A passionate lover of history, she was rarely without a book and read her Bible daily.

With Charles, she traveled the world. Her last international journey took her to Dubai and Cape Town, South Africa, where she rode a camel and visited Nelson Mandela’s cell, a profound moment of reflection and gratitude.

She loved western movies, rodeos, and the simple joys of life. Yet her greatest aspiration was eternal: to be saved and make it to heaven. She began each day with early morning prayer and dedicated one day a week to fasting. Her faith was her compass, and her love for God and family was her legacy.

A Time to Rest

On November 23, 2025, at the age of 84, Della M. Travis of Lockport, IL, was called home to be with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles E. Travis Sr.; her parents, Julia and Sylvester Smith; her brother, Sylvester Smith Jr.; and her grandson, Eric Ellis Travis.

She leaves behind a rich legacy through her children: Charles Jr. Travis (Pam, deceased), Michael (Rebecca) Travis, Curtis Travis, Audrey (Amos) Allen, and Kerriann (Marven) Page; her 20 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

She is also remembered by her sisters, Dorothy Williams, Climmeeteen (Roy) Paige and Earnestine Belton; her God sister, Eunice Jones; six Godchildren—Chasity Logan, Dakota Barefield, Felicia Malone Flowers (Terrence), Donovan Booth, Darrius Gaddy, and Gwendolyn Polk-Willis; her special daughter-in-love Ticia Nicholson; and dear family members including Janice Posley, and sisters-in-law, Wenonah Travis and Joyce Travis.

Special thanks are extended to the Greater Faith Church in Tucson, Arizona, Spirit & Truth Church of Atlanta Georgia, Christ Temple Church of Joliet, and the Bread of Life reading group, who shared in her love of scripture and fellowship.

So Long…

Her earthly journey will conclude at Mount Vernon Memorial Estates, Lemont, IL, but her spirit lives on in the presence of the Lord.

Della’s life was a tapestry of faith, love, service, and family. She walked humbly with God, loved deeply, and gave generously. Her memory will forever be a blessing, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Della M. Travis, please visit our floral store.