Henrietta (Hopkins) Walker

Henrietta Hopkins Walker

Her Story - A Living Testimony

Henrietta Hopkins Walker was born in Ozan, Arkansas at her grandparents’ home on Saturday, May 2, 1914 to Grant Hopkins and Hester Suttles Hopkins.  Henrietta was escorted from earth to Heaven on Sunday, June 26, 2016.  At the time of her ascension she resided at Presbyterian Manor Care Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

She and her siblings -- Helen, Marie and Thomas, grew up in the Rosedale community at 4011 Thompson, Kansas City, Kansas.  Henrietta was the second youngest of her siblings and was the oldest remaining of her generation in the Hopkins family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Thomas Hopkins, sisters Marie Jones and Helen Sorrells.

Henrietta attended Attucks Elementary School, Northeast Junior High School, and was a graduate of Sumner High School class of 1932. 

After graduation Henrietta attended Western University which was located in the Quindaro area of Kansas City, Kansas.

On September 6, 1942, Henrietta married James E. Walker, Jr. and together they purchased a home in the Rosedale area and raised their children, Elaine and Carlos.

Henrietta and her family joined St. Paul AME Zion Church in Rosedale where she played piano, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served as Superintendent of the Sunday School.  She was also a member of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society (W.H.O.M.S.).

Henrietta Hopkins Walker was employed at The University of Kansas Medical Center in the medical research lab for over 20 years, retiring in December 1981. 

She enjoyed sewing and attending sewing classes at the Bell Recreation Center in Rosedale. Her cooking was rivaled only by her sisters, Helen and Marie.

Henrietta remained active in the church and community until her health began to fail. 

On Saturday May 2, 2014, 100 years after her birth, Henrietta’s family celebrated her 100^th birthday with a reception and tributes at Presbyterian Manor! 

In honor of this blessed milestone Mother Walker received several proclamations and congratulations from the President of the United States, President Barack Obama, Kansas State Governor Sam Brownback, Mayor Mark Holland of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Missouri Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and other local elected officials, and from former principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. High School the late Edwin R. Byrd (cousin).

Mother Walker is survived by her daughter Elaine A. Harris (Grover), son Carlos B. Walker, Sr. (Evelyn), Granddaughter, Shelly R. Murphy, Grandsons Antony T. Murphy, Darrell E. Walker, Carlos B. Walker, Jr, all of Kansas City, Kansas and Byron C.J. Walker, Atlanta, Georgia;  nine great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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