Josephine Derrelle Walker was born June 27, 1939, in Dell, Arkansas, to the late Joe Cephus and Beulah Raiford. She was part of a loving, blended family of fifteen children. She spent her childhood in Blytheville, Arkansas, where she was nurtured in a home rooted in love, faith, and resilience.

In 1952, at age thirteen, she gave her life to Christ and was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Boykins. At a time when there were no Black elementary schools available in Blytheville, she began her education at St. Paul. She later graduated from Robinson Elementary School in 1954 and went on to attend Harrison High School of Blytheville, Arkansas, graduating with the Class of 1958.

Following high school, she enrolled in Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas—a historically Black Christian college. After completing a year of study, she left in 1959 to join her high school sweetheart, Daniel Walker, who had moved to Chicago, Illinois, to prepare a life for them. In October 1959, they were united in holy matrimony. To this union were born two daughters: LaJuandrea Denise Sommerville and Sherri A.Walker.

She devoted the early years of her marriage to motherhood, serving as a full-time housewife and caregiver. In 1968, once her daughters began school, she began a career with the United States Postal Service, where she worked faithfully for 24 years until her retirement in 1992.

In 1969, she and Daniel purchased a home on the South Side of Chicago—a home that she owned and lovingly maintained until her passing. Her home was always open to family and friends who needed support or a loving place to stay while adjusting to life's challenges. It was in this home that she raised her daughters and, years later, helped raise her beloved grandson, Kevin L. Sconiers, Jr. A constant presence in her life and heart, Kevin was raised with the same love, prayer, and guidance she had poured into her children. He attended Evangelistic Crusaders Church of God in Christ alongside her, though not an active member.

At Evangelistic Crusaders, she served in many roles throughout the years. She especially loved serving in the kitchen during Vacation Bible School, joyfully preparing meals for the children while her health allowed. Her quiet service, warm heart, and steady hands nourished both body and spirit, leaving a lasting impression on all who were blessed by her labor.

Beyond the church walls, J.D.W. had a heart for her community. She devoted many hours volunteering in Chicago Public Schools, supporting students and staff with compassion and purpose. Her contributions extended into the neighborhood as a recognized voice on the Brainerd Park Community Council, where she worked closely with the local alderman to improve the Brainerd community. She played a key role in reviving neighborhood block parties, promoting children's safety, and helping create a more connected and vibrant place to live.

If you knew her, you knew her faith. She was a disciple of Jesus—not just in words, but in action. Like a quiet lighthouse to faith, she led others through her example: steady, strong, and full of grace.

In 1994, after a lengthy separation, she and Daniel ended their marriage. Despite life's transitions, her strength remained rooted in her faith, and her love for her family never wavered.

On January 24, 2016, she was elevated to the office of Church Mother and received her Missionary License at Evangelistic Crusaders. This sacred recognition honored her decades of faithful service, spiritual mentorship, and prayerful dedication to the church body. Her presence became a source of peace, and her wisdom a wellspring of guidance to many.

She wore many titles—devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, missionary, and Church Mother—but above all, she was a woman of deep faith, enduring love, and quiet strength. Her legacy continues in the lives she nurtured, the prayers she lifted, and the example she set.

After a brief battle with cancer, Josephine D. Walker departed this life peacefully on June 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and service that will never be forgotten.

She was preceded in death by one grandchild, Dani Sommerville; thirteen siblings, Edna, Hattie, Dora, Irene, Joeanna, I.D., Ophelia, James, Wilbert, Willie Lee, Bonnie, Andrew, and King; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She will be deeply missed by those who remain to cherish her memory: her loving daughters,  LaJuandrea (Barry) Sommerville and Sherri A. Walker; her grandson, Kevin (Kimberly) Sconiers, Jr.; one great-grandson, Kevin Sconiers III; her devoted brother, Claude (Mary) Raiford; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and church family who loved her dearly.

"Her children arise and call her blessed…" — Proverbs 31:28