Lenay Tanya Walter

Lenay Tanya Walter (nee McElrath) was born July 17 th , 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, to proud parents Lenza and Lula E. McElrath. She peacefully entered her heavenly home on March 31 st , 2026, after a long courageous battle with illnesses. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Fadell Walter; her sister, Grace McElrath; and a host of aunts and uncles.

Lenay was a proud graduate of East High School, Class of 1977, and later attended the University of Akron, and Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During her time at Southern, she met and married Lionel Walter, and together they built a loving family.

She dedicated over 25 years of faithful service to Allstate Insurance where she distinguished herself as both a Coach and trainer and formed many cherished friendships along the way.

Lenay was an extraordinarily strong and remarkable woman whose love for her family was evident in everything she did. An adored mother and grandmother, she filled every moment with joy, laughter, a playful spirit and boundless warmth. She had a special gift for bringing people together and creating spaces where others felt safe, supported, and seen. Through her “Rock the Block” gatherings, and the neighborhood’s annual Halloween events, she built a sense of community that brought families together and created lasting memories. She poured her heart into uplifting young people-encouraging them to pursue education, make positive choices, and believe in their potential.

Her courage was reflected in her journey as a breast cancer and kidney transplant survivor. She supported both breast cancer and kidney disease awareness by sharing her experiences to bring hope and strength to others. She is survived by her daughters, Tationya McElrath and Tanisha Walter; her son, Kadell Walter (Breyonna); and her grandchildren: Amiyah Campbell, Aliyah Lenay Walter, Lonnie Dampier, Kendall Walter, Kadell Walter Jr., and Fadell Walter Jr. She is also survived by her siblings: Jeanette Moore, Belinda McElrath, Lenza McElrath Jr. (Judy), Kenneth McElrath (Felicia), Ronald McElrath (LaTanya), Gloria McElrath-Pryor (Tyrone), Lawrence McElrath (Lisa), Dale Gambrell; and her especially cherished brother/son LAMBERT HOWARD MCELRATH. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, who proudly proclaimed her their “favorite auntie”, and her cherished Uncle Myrtis (Teddy) Fomby.

Lenay’s legacy is one of love, resilience and joy. She will be deeply missed, and we will continue to love and honor her memory by loving and caring for one another.