On Friday, January 29, 2016, Mother Bettye Jo Walker left these terrestrial shores, quietly and peacefully, to live in her eternal home in Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Betty Jo was the oldest of eight children born to the late Elder Joe & Sister Annie Webb on August 27, 1936, in Fleming, KY. At the tender age of two years old, her parents migrated to West Virginia. Mother Walker completed her formal education in the West Virginia School System. In 1954, Mother Walker graduated high school in Elkhorn, West Virginia.
Her father felt the call to shepherd God’s people so their little mission was birthed in the living room of their two story home. Mother Walker was the secretary of the Sunday School. She was pleased with the responsibility and took great pride in recording minutes and being called upon to read the minutes from the Sunday before. During this Pastoral time, her mother decided that their mission needed music to help enhance their religious services. Her mother purchased a piano although she couldn’t play. Her mother stated, “God will teach me how to make music unto Him”. The Lord didn’t teach her how to play the piano. One day Mother Walker just sat down at the piano and began to make chords using the triads. Thus began her responsibility as the church pianist. She began leading the church in song services. She was now the Sunday School secretary, the church pianist, and also the church psalmist. During their pastoral mission, the Lord saved her.
Twenty-Four hours following graduation, she moved to the “big city of Columbus”. She began singing throughout Columbus with the Gaither Sisters. During the same year, she met her handsome, lifelong soul mate and companion, the late Brother Melvin Walker. In 1957, Melvin married his “FOX”. To this union, four children were born; three beautiful daughters and one handsome son.
In 1963, the Walker’s relocated to Jamaica Queens, New York. While in New York, Mother Walker received her Bachelors of Science Degree from the St. Joseph’s College in 1978. She was also certified by New York State in Drug and Family Counseling for youth. The Walker’s attended The Old Refuge Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. While there, Mother Walker was very active in ministry. She was a member of the Missionary Department, Sunday School, Choir, Transportation Ministry, ABYPU President, as well as an Altar Worker.
In 1980, the Walker’s moved back to Columbus, Ohio. Mother Walker had a passion for teaching children. As an educator, she began teaching at Sonshine Christian Academy. While at Sonshine, she taught a plethora of classes as well as assisting the late Deborah A. Jackson with administrative duties. She was employed at Sonshine Christian Academy for 23 years. Mother Walker also taught at South East Christian Academy. She had a bond with all of her students. Even after her students transitioned to other schools, she often went to their high school and college graduations as well as sowed monetary gifts.
Once back in Columbus, Mother Walker continued with ministry. She attended Eliezer Church of Christ under the tutelage of the late Bishop Sandy Dunlap. She has been a faithful member of Rehoboth Temple Church of Christ for 35 years. While here at Rehoboth, she has served under the tutelage of the late Bishop Kenneth L. Bligen and Apostle Bradford Berry. Mother Walker has served as a member of the RTC Nurses Unit, Pianist for the Temple Choir, Sunday School Teacher for the Teen Girls and Women’s Class, Altar Worker, Prison Ministry and not to mention a Prayer Warrior.
Mother Walker continued her growth in the Word. She spent many hours in her personal Bible study. She graduated from Rhema Christian Center with a degree in Ministerial Alliance Studies.
Working for the Lord, has been her mission in life. In 2002, Mother Walker was appointed into the office of the Ohio State Missionary President. She took this sacred office seriously. She made sure that she was always connected with all of the Missionary Departments within Church of our Lord Jesus Christ; state of Ohio. She was in attendance to all State Meetings, Planning Sessions (Local & International), Region VI meetings, as well as the International Convocations. Lynn was her chauffeur to the International Planning Sessions otherwise you would she her with her “traveling buddy”, Sister Florence Holmes. Mother Walker attained a lifetime membership status in the International Missionary Department of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As a family matriarch, she devoted her life to and for her family. Given too much hospitality, Mother Walker opened her home freely to those who sought wise counsel.
Continuing to serve with humility and grace, Mother Walker was a wonderful example of a virtuous woman. She was always willing to listen and advise women of all ages and walks of life in the things of God. She was full of Godly wisdom and knowledge to share with both men and women of the Kingdom. She is highly respected and regarded throughout the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ organization. Mother Bettye Jo Walker was truly a blessing to all who came to know and love her. Mother Walker was a phenomenal teacher, mentor, Woman of God, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch. Simply put, she was truly a “treasured gift to the Body of Christ”.
Mother Walker’s favorite scripture is Isaiah 43:1c-2, “Fear not for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name: You are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Mother Walker is predeceased by her parents, Elder Joe and Sister Annie Webb; husband, Brother Melvin Walker; son, Allen Webb; siblings, Evelyn Nimene, Joe Webb, Jimmy Webb and Robert Webb. Mother Walker leaves to cherish her legacy, her beloved children: Faythe Denise, Lynn Renee, Alisha Darice’; sisters Doretha Kollie and Blandine Walls; brother Eugene (Marilyn) Webb; (Ten Grandchildren) Isaac, Tyheem, Ruth Anna, Tianna, Tyisha, T’ynesha, Tyrell, Levi, Demetrius, Lance (Thirteen Great-Grandchildren) Ridge, CJ, JaiVon, Kalen, Jalen, Tyrae, Trynity, Monika, Amiyah, Tyasiah, Tylia, Tyrus, and Tyson. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.
Visitation 9 a.m. and Funeral 11 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Rehoboth Temple 1111 E. Long St. Interment at Northlawn Memory Gardens. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE 2500 Cleveland Ave. To order flowers and to offer condolences to The WALKER Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
There are never enough words to express our heartfelt sympathies in the loss of such a precious jewel. We will always remember the great memories we shared with Mother Bettye Jo Walker. Praying that the Lord will give you strength during this difficult time.
Love, Apostle Turner & Lady Linda Edmond
Beautiful woman of God. There will never be another like her the Greatest Missionary that ever lived. She has touched so many lives. You will be greatly misssed. Walker family stay encouraged and leaan on God and trust Him.
Praying for the family, for God comfort and peace.
Donald and Florence Gammon
Ms. Walker was one of my favorite teachers from Soneshine Christian Academy. To the family: Be encouraged your jewel has now earned her crown. Praying for you.
A beautiful woman of God. A tremendous loss to Rehoboth Temple and the body of Christ. A great missionary/evangelist for the kingdom of God. To know her was to love her! May God bless the family, be encouraged ! Love, Bishop Sf. Parrott, Sr
I send my heartfelt sympathy to the Walker family, I remember Sis Walker, she was a very strong presence at Sonshine Christian Academy, she disciplined our children but was very loving at the same time. I also remember her on the Women’s retreats as a Strong prayer warrior. She will not be forgotten!!!
My Condolence to the Walker Family, Praying that God will comfort you and give you peace.
There are never enough words to express our heartfelt sympathies in the loss of such a precious jewel. I will always remember the great memories i shared with Mother Bettye Jo Walker and teacher Praying that the Lord will give you strength during this difficult time.
Mrs. Walker was a gem an absolute jewel she was my teacher of math and at Sonshine Christian Academy, she was the only person that could actually make algebra makes sense to me she was quick witted had a good heart and a strong will which helped a lot of us as young ladies coming up to be the same and to persevere she was kind of she could be stern at the same time. I adored Mrs. Walker she was definitely one of my favorite teachers she will be sorely missed. My condolences to her friends and family for this tremendous loss.
My condolences to the entire Walker family. Mrs. Betty Jo Walker was a beautiful women inside and out. She was a brilliant educator whom I respected very much. It’s a a blessing to know that she is resting with our Heavenly Father. I pray for comfort for you all.
My Condolences to the Walker Family
My sincere sympathy to the family of Mrs. Betty Jo Walker. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
To Faythe and Alisha Walker, words can’t express our heart felt sympathy in the lost of your beautiful mother. In deed many could share with us to say, truly she was a wonderful and powerful woman of God. How heaven must be rejoicing in receiving this solider home. Truly we can echo the scripture when He said,… well done thou good and faithful servant. May the Spirit of the living God, uphold you during this time. May the love, prayers and comfort of many strengthen you in Jesus Name. Our condolences to the entire family.
I admired Mother Betty Jo Walker for her love for God, people and truth. I loved to hear her sing, play the piano, and teach the word of God. Her confidence and exhaustive knowledge of the word inspired and challenged me to study for myself and speak boldly. Her sassiness and joy were infectious. I will miss her. I will never forget her. I pray for the strength of the family as they continue without her. I hope you find comfort in the great faith she demonstrated throughout her life.
I am sorry for your loss I will miss Betty Jo Walker praying
To the family:
We extend our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of Mother Bettye Jo Walker. We will surely miss her as she was a faithful member of ICWF, attending our monthly meetings as well as our Annual ADVANCE. May the peace of God give you comfort during this difficult time. Know that our prayers are with you.
The sisters of ICWF
(Von Thomas Ministries)
I had the splendid honor of meeting the late great Mother Bettye Jo Walker as a result of a dramatic and divine coincidence. The occasion was in memoriam and celebration of my late great Aunt Thelma D. Benjamin Triumphant (Sunrise April 24, 1930 – Sunset April 26, 2015 AD) Home Going Celebration on May 1, 2015 A.D; also a faithful and ardent member of Rehoboth Temple. The Lord used Mother Bettye Jo to sing an old blood hymn entitled, “When I Wake Up In Glory.” A song that my late great father, Benjamin I. Richardson of the Refuge Church of Christ Apostolic Faith, Inc. used to sing, (Sunrise October 8, 1013 AD – Sunset October 9, 2012 AD). When she sang that song, I knew in my heart of hearts that she was a sure fire saint of the Most High God. Mother Bettye Jo Walker had an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying expressly to the Church. I thanked her for singing that song and told her why; that my father used to sing that song like he wrote it, even though the song was sang originally by Mahalia Jackson. Before she passed, I said to her I want to be just like her when I grow up one day. She laughed and was glad and thanked me for the compliment. From what I have learned since, Mother Bettye Jo Walker was loved by many and will be duly missed. I’m sorry I didn’t get to get better acquainted with her before she fell asleep in Christ, but I’m glad that she has laid down her burdens for good and at last shall receive her crown of righteousness and her mansion in the sky. Amen.