Mother Lena Walker

Mother Lena B. Walker, a revered matriarch, servant leader, and woman of enduring faith, was born on May 12, 1927, to Leroy Jarrett and Louvenia Anderson in Marvell, Arkansas. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with New Mount Everett Church in Marvell, where her spiritual foundation was firmly established and faithfully maintained throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Europhine Walker, Rosella Jarrett, Leroy Jarrett, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her children, Birdene Mills, Delores Baylark, Dorthy Mackey. Donald Walker, Johnnie Lee Walker, and Gusher Walker.

Mother Walker received her education in the Hicks community, where she developed the values of discipline, perseverance, and service that would guide her throughout her life. She later married her devoted and longtime husband, Grunday Walker, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

In 1963, she began her career at Cedar Lodge Nursing Home, where she faithfully served with compassion and dedication until her retirement. Her commitment to service extended beyond her profession, as she served on the Marvell City Council, was an active member of the Precious Jewel Electa Chapter No. 108, Order of the Eastern Star, and sang faithfully with the Marvell Community Choir.

Music was one of Mother Walker's greatest passions and ministries. Gifted and gracious, she shared her musical talent generously by playing the piano for many churches, including New Mount Everett Church and New Hope Coffee Creek Church. Through her music, she comforted hearts, lifted spirits, and gave glory to God.

After more than nine decades of faithful living, Mother Lena B. Walker peacefully departed this life on December 30, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., leaving behind an outstanding legacy of love, faith, and service. Her life was a living testimony, as Scripture declares, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her children: Alton Turnbo of Arizona; Melvin Turnbo of Marvell, Arkansas; and Vernon Lee Walker of Marvell, Arkansas; sons in law, Willie Mills and Johnnie Baylark both of Chicago, Illinois. She also leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom were blessed by her wisdom, kindness, and love. Special friends who held a cherished place in her life include Gladys Williams, Annie-Ruth Pike, Sethell Mitchell, Wilbert "Hap" Turnbo, Jr., Otis Jarrett, and Fred Scaife.

As written in Scripture, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). Mother Lena B. Walker's legacy of faith, service, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.