NoHo Community Mourns the Passing of Pastor Jerrell Walls
North Hollywood, CA — January 19, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Pastor Jerrell Walls, who went home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026, following a brief illness. A steadfast and compassionate servant of God, his life was defined by faith, courage, and an unwavering commitment to loving all people.
Raised by pastor parents in Northwest Texas and called to ministry at a young age, Jerrell’s gifts were evident early—teaching Bible lessons to neighborhood children at just ten years old and leading with purpose throughout his youth. A lifelong learner and devoted pastor, he founded Christ Chapel of the Valley in 1992, creating a spiritual home rooted in grace, truth, and inclusion. Through deep personal reflection and faith, Jerrell reconciled his calling with his identity, answering God’s tug to reach those too often excluded from the church, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. His ministry brought healing, restoration, and belonging to countless lives, extending beyond the pulpit through interfaith leadership, civic service, and advocacy. Pastor Jerrell Walls leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, integrity, and radical welcome—one that will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him.
Born on May 29, 1959, Pastor Walls dedicated his life to ministry, service, and education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from L.I.F.E. Pacific College in 1982 and remained committed to lifelong learning through continued theological study, conferences, and clergy workshops. He served for ten years within the denomination in which he was raised and devoted more than four decades to full-time pastoral ministry, including 34 years as pastor of Christ Chapel of the Valley.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Walls consistently proclaimed a simple but profound message—that God loves and accepts all people just as they are. He shared this conviction openly and faithfully, shaping not only his preaching but the culture of Christ Chapel of the Valley itself. Under his leadership, the church grew from a small Bible study held in an apartment into a thriving congregation known throughout the region as a safe place of hope, healing, and spiritual belonging for the entire community.
Beyond the church, Pastor Walls was a respected interfaith and civic leader across the Los Angeles area. He represented Christ Chapel of the Valley and the LGBTQ+ community through sustained service on the LAPD Community Police Advisory Board, served as Vice President of his neighborhood council, and spoke in schools and colleges to address prejudice—particularly homophobia—with compassion and clarity. He also served on the Department of Mental Health Clergy Roundtable and was an active member and longtime co-chair of the LA Queer Interfaith Clergy Council. Through these roles, he worked tirelessly to build bridges between faith communities, civic institutions, and those seeking justice, understanding, and reconciliation.
Pastor Walls often expressed a simple hope for how he would be remembered: as a person of integrity, loving of the entire community, and faithful to his calling. Those who knew him affirm that he lived those values fully—leading with humility, courage, and deep compassion.
“Pastor Jerrell lived his faith with honesty and extraordinary love,” said church leadership. “He believed deeply that everyone deserves to know they are seen, valued, and welcome in God’s presence. His ministry transformed lives and reshaped what many believed the church could be.”
Pastor Jerrell Walls is survived by his partner, John Reiss of Costa Mesa, California; his sister, Jeanetta Smiley of Amarillo, Texas; and an extended community of dear friends and devoted parishioners of the church he so dearly loved. Memorial service details will be announced in the coming days.
About Christ Chapel of the Valley
Christ Chapel of the Valley is a diverse, non-denominational congregation welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals and their straight allies into the full life and ministry of the church. Since its founding, the church has lived by a simple and enduring motto: “Everyone is welcome.”
Media Contact:
Christine Borrayo
805-886-8804
christine@christchapel.com
