Cheryl R. Walker

Cheryl Renita Walker

(1958–2026)

Cheryl Renita Walker, age 67, transitioned to her eternal rest on Monday, February 23, 2026. Born on February 25, 1958, in Ozark, Alabama, she was the beloved daughter of William and Angernette Lawrence Walker.

At an early age, Cheryl gave her life to Christ at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Griffin, Georgia. Her faith remained a cornerstone of her life, reflected in decades of devoted service. Throughout the years, she faithfully served in numerous ministries, including the choir, United Sisterhood of Mount Zion, Hospitality Ministry, Pastor Appreciation Committees, the Technology Team, and most recently as Choir Director. She also shared her love of reading as a member of the Mount Zion Sisterhood Book Club.

A 1976 honor graduate of Griffin High School, Cheryl continued her education at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. While there, she cultivated her passion for music as a proud member of the Marching Hornets, renowned for their excellence and spirited performances. On May 12, 1978, she was initiated into the Beta Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, beginning forty-seven years of uninterrupted and impactful service. Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Alabama State University, later obtaining a Master of Education degree and an Educational Specialist degree in Counseling from University of West Georgia.

In 1980, Cheryl inspired nine local members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to explore the establishment of a graduate chapter in the Griffin area. Her vision became reality on December 13, 1981, with the chartering of Xi Beta Omega Chapter. In 1992, the chapter established the C.R. Walker Fine Arts Scholarship in honor of her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to service. Cheryl faithfully served in numerous leadership roles, including doorkeeper, parliamentarian, corresponding secretary, vice president, and three terms as president. She also served as the first Graduate Advisor for Upsilon Phi Chapter at Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia. In recognition of her extraordinary dedication, she was honored twice as Soror of the Year. Her leadership included service as Cluster V Coordinator and membership on several committees, including Conflict Resolution Committee and Heritage Committee in the South Atlantic Region. Cheryl was a Silver Star member, representing twenty-five years of membership and a Life Member. Cheryl was an Ambassador for Road to Vegas, the committee to facilitate the inauguration of the incoming International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Charletta Wilson Jacks.

Cheryl began her distinguished thirty-year career in education in 1983 as an elementary music teacher. She later taught eighth-grade English at Spalding Junior High School – Unit II and spent twenty-nine years at Griffin High School as an English teacher and Graduation Coach. After retiring from Griffin-Spalding County Schools, she continued her service to youth through her work with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice from 2014 to 2020.

Her commitment to civic engagement extended beyond education and church. Cheryl was an active member of the LACISO Bridge Club, the E.G Bowden Nursery Board, the Flynt River Library Committee, the Kelsey Avenue Property Committee, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Cheryl found joy in music, reading, spirited games of Bid Whist and cards, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. During the pandemic, she creatively organized a weekly virtual game night to keep loved ones connected and encouraged.

She will be remembered for her warm spirit, infectious smile, sharp intellect, attentive listening ear, willingness to help others and her ability to see the bigger picture while thoughtfully navigating the path to achieve it.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother, Angernette Lawrence Walker. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving father, William Walker; devoted brother, William Kelvin (Celia) Walker; niece, Olivia ‘Liv’ Walker; nephew, William Kingston Walker; aunt, Lillian Lawrence; cousins, Monica (Calvin) White, Karyn (Scott) Fraction, Krista Lawrence, and Monique Davis; Godmother, Fannie K. Delaney; Godbrother, Larry Knox; and a host of extended family members, sorors, colleagues, and dear friends.

Home Going Care Entrusted to McDowell's Funeral Home, Inc.