Obituary for Booker T. Walker

Booker Teleferro Walker was born to the union of Booker T and Jessica Mae Wiggins Walker on August 19, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Booker acquired his basis education as a graduate of Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio. His learning on a higher plateau was received from the Cleveland Community College.

One day during a Cleveland Brown's Football Game while standing in line, Booker put on his own half time performance when he saw the beautiful Ms Veronica "Star" Barrett standing in line. He could not resist her and whatever he said or did landed him the only touchdown of his game; and on July 21, 1984, she said "yes" as they became husband and wife.

During his life's tenure, Booker was employed by General Electric and Cleveland Board of Education. Booker moved to Beckley, West Virginia, where he was employed by Lowe's Home Improvement as a stock boy. Booker continued his employment with Lowe's, and later moved to Zanesville, Ohio, where he became the First Black Store Manager for the company. Booker was a dedicated and hard worker. He remained with Lowe's until retirement. His employment tenure ended at Golfsmith in Easton Town Center, where he worked as a Retail Manager and Club Fitter.

Booker loved golf, music- especially jazz, photography, traveling and shopping.

Booker T Walker enjoyed life and people. He was a kind and generous man that had class and style from head to toe. When people were asked if they knew Booker Walker, the response would be "Oh, yeah, we know him, the man who is always clean, who dresses in fashion".

Booker took pride in everything he did. One could always expect the best of Booker in whatever endeavor. In 1990, after having had an encounter with a young man seeking employment, Booker woke up one morning with a burning in his heart for young boys who seemingly were struggling; with no life skills. Booker told his wife that he wanted to do something to make a difference; which he did. He sought out several blacksocial and professional men in hopes of inspiring a commitment from them to develop a program to work with young black males to better prepare them for responsibilites of daily life. From the efforts of Booker and 25 other men, in the spring of 1993, the M.U.S.T.E.R. Project was introduced to the City of Beckley, West Virginia and became a public entity.

There are some people who disappoint us but the impression formed of Booker T Walker as Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend are the same and will continue unchanged. He was a true man, and he proved himself to be a "workman" that needeth not be ashamed.

Booker will be greatly missed. Those who are left to celebrate his life and legacy include his wife of 33 years, Veronica "Star" Barrett Walker; children, Sean (Maureen) Walker Grant, Pickerington, Ohio, Lori (Zaide) Davis, Charlotte, North Carolina; Honorary Son, Steven Closs, Westerville, Ohio; grandchildren, Alexis Walker, Sean Chris Walker, Miles Cervi, Mason Cervi, Maxton Davis; Sisters, Marlena Bell and Lea Walker, Cleveland, Ohio, Special Brother-in-law, Don Barrett, Mt Hope, West Virginia; Special Friend and Brother, Jeffrey Howard, Columbus, Ohio; several brothers and sisters-in law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Booker was preceded in death by parents, Booker T and Jessica Mae Walker and brother, Eugene Wiggins; who he now join in Heaven.

​​No hand so soft and gentle                                                  No heart so tender true

 ​​No sorrow life could bring us                                              To equal losing you

 

Humbly Submitted With Much Love                                                     The Family