Kimberly Elaine Walker

Dr. Kimberly E. Walker, Born on January 24, 1965, to Polly E Floyd Walker and the late Wilson Walker, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. passed away on August 31, 2025, in Wilmington, Delaware. A brilliant scientist, devoted educator, and beloved family member and friend, Kim's life was marked by her profound faith in GOD and an unwavering commitment to knowledge, compassion, and community. Kim graduated from Liberty High School in 1982 where she excelled as a part of the Honor society, Scholastic scrimmage debate team, Orchestra and Ensemble. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of Maryland in 1986 and became certified as a Medical Technologist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology that same year-a credential she maintained throughout her life. Her academic journey continued with a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1993. Kim's postdoctoral work reflected her deep dedication to scientific advancement. She held fellowships at the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland at Baltimore (UMAB), the Center of Marine Biotechnology at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI), and a joint fellowship with the UMB Dental School and Morgan State University. Her passion for science extended beyond the lab when she served as a Congressional Science Fellow to Senator Paul Wellstone from 2000 to 2001-an experience that highlighted her belief in using science to inform public policy. Her professional career began at Allentown Osteopathic Hospital in 1986–1987. After earning her doctorate, she joined the University of Maryland as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medical and Research Technology from 2001 to 2011. During this time, she also served as Graduate Program Director from 2006 to 2011. From 2011 to 2020, Kim worked as a Federal Specialist in Clinical Microbiology and Biosafety for the American Society for Microbiology in Washington D.C., where she helped shape national standards and practices. In her later years, Kim continued her mission of education and mentorship as Program Director for CLSC and PHBT at Lorain County Community College (2020–2022) before joining the University of Delaware as Assistant Professor and Program Director for Medical Diagnostics in 2022-a role she held until her passing. Dr. Walker was more than a scientist; she was a gifted communicator who could make complex scientific concepts accessible to all. Her students were not just pupils but extensions of her heart-she nurtured them with wisdom, humor, and fierce dedication. Kim's vibrant personality shone through her passions outside academia. She had an enduring love for music-especially traditional gospel, R&B artists such as Prince and Latin artists like Celia Cruz and Buena Vista Social Club-she also delighted in movies, often impressing friends with her encyclopedic knowledge of actors. Known for her signature style, she was rarely seen without a Coach purse slung over her shoulder or red lipstick tucked inside-her nails always painted "I'm Not Really a Waitress" red. She cherished traveling to Puerto Rico to visit friends and basked in the island's culture-particularly enchanted by the sound of the coquí frog that became one of her favorite memories. Kim is deeply mourned by her mother Polly E. Walker; uncles Chappell Floyd, Marcellus Floyd, and Earl L. Floyd (Molly); aunts Rosetta Floyd Carey Barringer (Larry); numerous cousins; as well as her godsister, godson, goddaughter-friends, coworkers, and countless students whose lives she touched profoundly. She now joins those who preceded her: her father Wilson Walker; grandparents Randall and Beulah Mae Walker along with Earlee Floyd, Beulah Mae Floyd Belle, and Louis P Belle; uncles Billy Floyd and Montfort Walker; aunts Barbara Watson, Rosita Floyd, and Nettie Ward; and Cousin Stacey Floyd. Dr. Walker leaves behind a legacy rooted in intellect, empathy, advocacy, and joy-a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know her. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her dearly. A Viewing will be held on September 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with funeral service immediately following at St Paul Baptist Church 925 E Goepp St., Bethlehem, PA To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kimberly Elaine Walker, please visit our floral store.