I Fought A Good Fight
Wilbert Austin Walker was born April 21, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the younger of two children born to Margaret and Wilbert. He returned to his heavenly home on September 21, 2015.
His education was in Baltimore at schools #135, #149, and Dunbar High School where he was a member of the infamous graduating class on June 6, 1966. After being out of school for a number of years, Austin received his BS degree in public health from Sojourner Douglas College.
Austin was employed at the Johns Hopkins Hospital for over 20 years. He was very proud of his involvement when the world watched with the separation of the Binder twins. After his tenure at Johns Hopkins he worked in clinical studies with Mrs. Diane Becker and Mrs. Penny Insel. Healthcare was his passion and his ministry and he practiced both whenever it was needed.
From 1948 to 2006 Austin was affiliated with the Wayland Baptist Church under the pastorates of the late Reverend W.W. Payne, Darneal F. Johnson, and the current Pastor, Reverend Hoffman F. Brown, III. He then worshipped at the True Fellowship Ministries of America under Bishop Carroll W. Jones. In Lynchburg, Virginia he joined the New Vine Baptist Church where he felt honored to continue work as a Deacon. It was a privilege and pleasure to spread the love of Christ and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit as Deacon Austin Walker. He and Reverend Mary Lucas, his spiritual mentor, spent hours together fellowshipping with one another and praising God from whom all blessings flow.
Austin's love of family was inexplicable. Without hesitation, he could rattle off names, dates places and relationships among family members dating back to the 1800s. On March 9, 1996 Wilbert Austin Walker married the love of his life, Olivia Jones. He became father to Lorraine, Louann, Lenae, Al and their children and father in law to Marvin, Sr. The love between Poppy and the children was immeasurable. The mutual spoiling that went on was borderline ridiculous. The bond between he and his sister was one of "Irish twins." Sandra burnt the highway from Maryland to Lynchburg getting to him as often as she could. Austin and Olivia loved and enjoyed each other. For the nineteen years they were married, God was the head of their lives, Jesus the center of their joy, and the Holy Spirit was their guide. The most enjoyable times for Olivia and Austin was when they spent time singing the old hymns of the Church. Austin would recite the words while Olivia sang.
He has so many friends and the very special ones included, Rev. John Lunn, Bishop Josephine Ridgley, Queen Jones, Thelma Triplin, Emma Bailey, Doreen and Roxanne. He and his god daughter, Debbie had a very special bond. Austin leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Olivia; sister, Sandra; the children, sons, Al Morris and Tyrell Holmes; daughters, Lorraine Jones (Marvin, Sr.), Lou Ann Gibson, LeNae Little, eight grandchildren; four great grands (and one on the way) and a great host of relatives and friends.
When from you I've slipped away, waste no time in morning vain… for if in memory I remain, do for me when needs appear for I would do if I were here."