ADRIAN WALKER

Adrian W

Adrian Walker passed away on Wednesday, October 30 2019.  He was 84 years young.  Adrian was born in Rougemount, North Carolina on June 23, 1935, and was the youngest of twelve children born to the late James Coy and Lizzie Day-Walker.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Clara Burton, Mable Walker-Brandon, and brothers Jack Walker, Coy Lee Walker, William Walker, Sr., Frederick Walker, Elbert Walker, and Ira Walker-Cooper.

Adrian was considered a “ladies man” in his younger years – very well dressed and known for his slicked back waves, which he managed with Groom & Clean.  As a young man he liked basketball, baseball, dancing and excelled at boxing.  He graduated from Merrick-Moore High School in Durham, North Carolina.  After high school he moved to Queens, New York where he worked at the Veteran’s Hospital as a cook and then transferred to the Veteran’s Hospital in Northport Long Island, New York.  In November 1958 he met the beautiful and vivacious Mariah Byrd through some close friends.  In August of 1959, Adrian married Mariah.  He celebrated 47 years of marriage until her passing in March 2007.

Adrian and his young family of three children (Genese, Theresa and Adrian Bernard, known by all as “Ab”) left Long Island, New York and relocated to Canton, Ohio in 1966 to be closer to his wife’s family.  There he worked at Pioneer Foods, Fisher Foods and lastly at Republic Steel for 24 years until his retirement in 1998.  He had two more children while living in Canton (Tabitha and Ivan).  As a father, he worked endlessly, sometimes 2-3 jobs to provide for his family.  With his hard work and dedication, he was able to accomplish his dream of having a home built for his family where he raised his five children.

Adrian was a devoted husband.  After Mariah had a massive stroke in April 1993, he became her constant caregiver.  He loved her endlessly and took care of her needs and wants until she passed away on March 19, 2007.

Adrian regularly attended the Kingdom Hall and was a servant who loved Jehovah God and dedicated his time in the ministry.  He and Mariah were baptized together as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1970 and they both believed in the resurrection hope (John 5:28-29).  Adrian had no doubt that he would be with Mariah again in the new system of things and frequently talked about the things they would do when he saw her again.

Adrian loved his kids and grandkids and loved to brag about whatever they were doing no matter how small.  He was happy and went about his day whistling and smiling.  Later in life we found out that he had many hidden talents, which included loving to sing and perform karaoke.

The passing of Adrian Walker at the age of 84years young leaves behind three loving daughters;Genese Hewston (husband, Charles), Terri Freed (husband, Warren “Chip”), Tabitha Walker, and two dedicated sons; Adrian “AB”, and Ivan (wife,“Dovey”).  His dear grand-children Tiana, Perry, Matthew, Brooklynn, Bianca, Adam, Jordan, Tahani, Richelle, Ivy, Julian and great grandchildren Jersi, Kia Lee, Lee, and Taylor.  He also leaves behind sister-in-law, Doshia Walker of Fayetteville, NC (wifeof Frederick), and an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.  Other family membersinclude:  Augusta Jackson (Mattie), Charlie Byrd (deceased), Georgia Gibson (Edgar deceased), Joe Byrd (deceased), Lucy Byrd-Letchaw (deceased); Walter Byrd (Roberta both deceased;), Martha Levert, Dan Byrd (Cathy) and Leona Austin (Jimmy).

He was a proud man with strong family values.

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