Arleva Oliver Lewallen

Arleva Oliver Lewallen, most recently of Gordon, TX (2014-2021) Departed this earthly life to reunite with our Heavenly Father on (Thursday April 22nd 2021). The daughter of Fred & Virgie Gamblin, Arleva grew up in Rochelle, TX as 1 of 6 siblings.
Nila Fullerton (Deceased), Wade Gamblin (Oklahoma), Theron (Son) Gamblin (Deceased), Ramalee Stewart (Arlington), Emily Gay Nell (Deceased @ birth) and Jolene Kelm (Houston).

Services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, April 26, 2021 at Sunset Memorials Gardens in Odessa. A visitation will be held Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 2-5 PM at Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn, Texas.

Upon Graduation from High School, she attended Beauty School in Austin. At the completion of her schooling, she returned to Brady to start her full-time career as a beautician.

In 1946 Arleva married J.E. (JIM) Lewallen (1999) in Brownwood, TX.
Arleva and J.E. Moved to Odessa in 1950 and she continued her beauty career with her own salon while patiently waiting to become a mother.

On May 6th of 1957, Arleva and J.E. Were blessed by our Heavenly Father to become parents to their only child, Jan Lewallen Watters. Arleva was the proud mother-in-law of Kimmy Don Watters. “Nanny” to grandchildren, Steven Watters and wife Molly, Brooke (Watters) Warren and husband Joey & “Nanny” to 7 Great Grandchildren - Reed, Sloan, Blair & Chase Watters, Camille, Knox & True Warren - all of Lubbock.

A longtime member of Crescent Park Church of Christ (Odessa). Arleva was devout in her faith. You could feel the closeness of her relationship with our Lord through simple conversation and in her many acts of kindness and how she treated all of those that she met and had a relationship with.

“Nanny” and J.E. “Pappy” were long time season ticket holders, boosters, and followers of Permian High School football. No game was too far for them to travel in support of the Mighty MOJO. J.E. was even quoted in the book and movie of Friday Night Lights.

Known for her hand cooked meals. Most notably her Chicken and Dumplins, Chocolate Ice Box Pie, and Coconut Cream Pie. Most Fridays during Steven and Brooke’s school years, you could find “Nanny” preparing lunch for her grandkids and their friends at her home in Odessa. This became a tradition and lasted through graduation for Steven, Brooke, and their friends.

Arleva was a quiet soul and was a Lover of Music and Dancing, Lover of looking her best for any occasion and longtime volunteer Medical Center Hospital.
And was completely involved in the lives of all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.