Celebrating Her Spirit Gwendolyn E. Walker was born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 11, 1926, to Henry and Mary Gooden. On the day she was born, the world gained a very strong, intelligent, hard-working, fierce, passionate, and thoughtful woman! The day of her passing, March 10, 2018, heaven gained another angel. She graduated from high school and entered college at the age of 15, and received her BA from Tennessee A&I and later her Masters from The University of Cincinnati , all while teaching, being a wife and raising a beautiful daughter. Her long life abled her to witness many great, but challenging moments in history such as the Civil Rights Movement and the U.S. electing its first black President. Ms. Walker was a teacher for over 60 years. Even after experiencing two major heart attacks and retiring in the 90's, she found a way to get back into teaching, which was her true passion in life. She didn't want to stop working because she loved staying busy even up until about five years ago. Not only did she teach her students about history, she also helped them outside of school. If someone needed a new backpack, she would buy it for them. If a student was having issues at home, she would help them get through those issues. This meant bringing her students home with her sometimes, or involving them in family events. She was the type of woman to literally give the shirt off her back if you needed it. Even if that meant she wouldn't have one. Along with teaching, Ms. Walker often spent her time being involved in many groups, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Top Ladies of Distinction (charter member) . She received the 1994 Heart Patient of the Year Award, sponsored by SmithKline Beecham, at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. She also enjoyed volunteering in her community and encouraging young people to strive for the best. When asked once about her life she said, "I have not achieved everything that I wanted in my life-but does anyone?" Surviving are her daughter, Joy; Grandson, Johnathan; Granddaughter, Leslie; Great-Grandchildren Gabriella and Ethan. Joining them to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her beloved cousin; Charles Gooden, adopted daughter; Sandra Wiggins, and numerus friends, family and countless students. Memorial Service

MAR 24. 12:00 PM (ET)

St. Andrew Episcopal Church

1809 Rutland Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45207