Harriett Gwendolyn Walker

Harriett Gwendolyn Walker was born on September 21, 1941, the fifth of six children to the late Rebecca and Henry Johnson. Fondly known as “Ghen” by her children, she was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Gwen grew up with a strong and adventurous spirit, often teasing and playing jokes on her beloved sisters and brothers, James, George, Edward and Rita (deceased). She savored the simple things in life – education, music, dancing, and most importantly, her family. A hard worker and a lover of learning, Gwen’s smile lit up every room she entered. Gwen graduated from L. J. Price High School in 1960 and was loved by many. She was Head Majorette, a member of Supreme Teens, Advanced Choir, Dance Club and was Secretary of the Band. She was inseparable from her two best friends, Helen Hickson McClendon and Carol Lofton McAdoo, who remained loyal friends until the day of her transition. Her senior year yearbook quote, “she half consents, who silently denies” truly reflects the sentiment of her character. She was a woman with a strong voice who also understood the power of silence and listening. Gwen received her bachelor’s degree in Personnel Administration with a minor in Psychology from Georgia State University. In addition, she received her professional certification in Employment Law which served her well and was a catalyst for her many recognitions in Human Resources. While she held many leadership roles in Human Resources over her career, Gwen truly exceled and found her passion in supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). She enthusiastically worked for two HBCUs serving as the Chief Administrator at LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, TN and later Vice President of Human Resources at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA where she retired in 1996. Gwen met her husband, Maurice A. Walker, and immediately knew he was ‘the one’. Married a year later in Washington, D.C. on January 19, 1972, Maurice and Gwen were lifelong partners and truly enjoyed their role as parents to Darrin, Felecia, Tamra and Kimberly. She later became affectionately known as “Nana” to her 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was a true matriarch who instilled the importance of excellence, loyalty and love of family to both her immediate and extended family. The host of many family traditions and holidays, Gwen enjoyed cooking and her confections were savored and enjoyed by everyone. Always close by, Maurice was often her personal sous chef as they took immense pleasure in feeding the souls of loved ones. Gwen peacefully joined hands with God when He called her home on Monday, March 1, 2021. She spent her last days surrounded by family, love, and care. Gwen is survived by her devoted husband, Maurice A. Walker, her cherished son, Darrin and her three daughters Felecia Anderson, Tamra Thomas (Charles) and Kimberly Evans Paige. She also leaves to cherish her memory multiple devoted nieces and nephews, and grandchildren Kera Jones (Jayson), Christopher Sheppard (Sharisse), Kelvin Sheppard (Toi), Quentin Evans, Darrin Evans, Xavier Evans, Logan Evans, Jai Anderson, Rebecca Anderson, Morgan Paige and Austin Paige and 12 great-grandchildren, Emerie Anderson, Imani Jones, Jaxon Jones (Jaylynn), Isabella Jones, Sanaa Sheppard, Josh Sheppard, Grace Sheppard, Journey Sheppard, Miles Sheppard, Ava Sheppard, Walker Evans, and former spouse Thomas Evans. She is also survived by many more family and friends who’s lives she touched with her warmth, laughter and love.

Tributes

Harriett Gwendolyn Walker

September 21, 1941 - March 1, 2021