Novella Travis

Novella Elizabeth Clayton Travis was born a twin on May 9, 1928 in Chester, PA to the late John Clayton and Helen Berry Clayton. Novella was affectionately known by Elizabeth or Liz. Elizabeth grew up playing the piano and singing alongside her twin brother at Murphy AME Church in Chester, PA. Elizabeth accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young teenager. Elizabeth was educated through the Chester Public School System. She graduated from Chester High School in 1946. While attending Chester High School she participated on the Girls Basketball Team. Following high school, Elizabeth attended one year at Cheyney State College and then transferred to Morgan State University where she completed two and a half years of studies. She worked diligently towards her degree in Education but was forced to return home when her father suddenly passed away. Elizabeth met the love of her life, Schuyler E. Travis while she attended Morgan State University. Elizabeth and Schuyler courted and they later married on August 30, 1958. Throughout their loving marriage, they had two children, Schuyler and Vernel. Elizabeth was employed by Macy's in New York City for 10 years. She was among the second group of Afro-Americans to be hired at Macy's as a Telephone Operator and later a Secretary. During the late 1960's and early 1970's, Elizabeth worked at RCA as a Machine Operator and later employed at Revlon Inc. where she retired in 1993. Elizabeth was an active member of Faith Fellowship Ministries for over 30 years. She enjoyed working in the Hospitality Department, Rotating Home Bible Fellowship and wherever she was needed. She showed the love of Christ, and always led by example. When called upon, Elizabeth happily drove members in need to and from church. Elizabeth enjoyed raising her children. She cared for her grandchildren, she traveled to many places, attended family reunions, and enjoyed reading about healthy living and studied her bible regularly. She was predeceased by her brothers James (Josephine), Horace (Bertina), her twin brother John (Ruth) Clayton, sister-in-law Frankie (Buddy) Johnson; brother-in-laws Daniel (Ophelia), Herbert Travis and Charles Carter. She leaves to cherish her memories, and loving and devoted husband of over 60 years, Schuyler E. Travis, Sr.; son Schuyler E. Travis, Jr. (Ruth) of Ohio, daughter Vernel Applewhite (Shelton Sr.), of N.J.; 7 grandchildren: Quinta, Brian, Schuyler, Jonathan, Terrell, Shellyse and Shelton Jr.; 6 great-grandchildren: Jeremiah, Sariah, Benjamin, Jawaad, Shahadah, and Zyheed. Also, Levella Lawson of P.A., Eleanor Carter of V.A., Yvonne Kenner (Arthur) of S.C., Ralph Johnson (Ann) of V.A., Lil Travis of Washington D.C., Mary Bannister of P.A. and a host of nieces, nephews, friend and caregivers: Chantel Hill, Ms. Bettie Grady, Khalilah Bewley (Kay), Vanadine Payne and Lorna Hall.