Janie Walker

Janie Blassingame Walker departed this life at 9:30am on March 8, 2016, after a long illness.

She was the fifth of six children born to the late Clarence and Ida Mae Blassingame. She was predeceased by her husband James I. (Duke) Walker, and a daughter, Audrey Faye Walker Fisher.

Janie excelled at many different professions throughout her life. Upon completion of school, she began her career as a maid at the Dick Carnes Boutique. She would quickly impress the boutique owners with her strong work ethic and professionalism. They swiftly promoted her to a full time sales position. Janie then decided to pursue a career in a field that was very near and dear to her heart, cooking. She spent several years as the head cook at Eddie Blacks Family Restaurant. There she was able to cultivate many fine recipes and signature dishes that she passed down throughout her family. Janie would complete her professional career as a textile worker at JP Stevens. Retiring from there after several years, she transitioned into her most revered role as a homemaker and mother.

Janie accepted Christ at an early age and joined Friendship Baptist Church. After marrying James Walker, she joined Rocky Mount Baptist Church where she devoted many years of service. She would begin as a Sunday School teacher, and at one time was the Superintendent of Sunday School. She helped in the formation of the Vacation Bible School at the church. She was an active participant in the Enoree River Baptist Congress until her husband’s declining health commanded her attention. Janie also loved to sing the Lord’s praises serving with several choirs while at Rocky Mount including the Mass Choir, Senior Choir, and Mission Crusaders.

Upon the death of her husband, Janie moved to Michigan to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She would later return to South Carolina and join St. John United Methodist Church where she continued the word through song. She is now singing with the angels.

She leaves to cherish fond memories, four devoted children, Richard J. (Valerie) Walker of West Bloomfield, Michigan and Clyde I. Walker of Greenville, South Carolina, Betty A. Simmons (Rev. Larry) of Southfield, Michigan and Louise W. Edwards of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; twelve grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.