Forrest L. Walker Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Born, the third child of five, to Ernest Moore and Jean (Betty) Louise Walker on April 12, 1949, FORREST LYNWOOD WALKER started his journey. He was birthed in Wilmington, Delaware at the former Memorial Hospital. As a youngster, he resided on the Eastside of Wilmington. There he attended Charles Drew Elementary School. His spiritual journey started at St. Matthews Episcopal Church under the guidance of Father Wilson. When his family moved to the west side of Wilmington, Forrest then attended Charles B. Lore School. He was so proud to be a 'Safety' watching over his fellow students during the morning, lunch time and after school hours. He made sure they crossed the streets safely. His sister sidekick joined him in this effort, as he guarded 3rd Street and she guarded 4th Street. Forrest attended Bayard Junior High School and Wilmington High School before entering the Armed Services. During these years he was invaluable as a helper to those who may have needed him. Forrest used to babysit some of his younger cousins (Ricky and Angelo). He would run errands for the elders (Cousin Bunny and Cousin Jackie Matthews) and help out where needed with the neighbors. His gentle spirit was apparent even at this young age. It was during this time that the bond between him and Cousin Reginald Matthews was developed. They weren't just cousins, they were 'brothers.' In 1966, Forrest joined the United States Army. He served in the Vietnam Conflict from 1966 thru 1969. After returning home, he was wed in holy matrimony to Ethel Jefferson. From this union Rolanda and Forrest, Jr. came forth. Despite the ending of the union, Forrest and Ethel remained friends to the end. In December of 1974, Forrest reenlisted back into the Army. After discharge, Forrest returned home to Wilmington to reside with his family. During this time he was employed by the News Journal Co., the Wilmington Housing Authority, Crittenton Rehabilitation Facility, State of Delaware Department of Labor, and Delaware Cold Storage. It was at the Depatment of Labor that he met his next wife, Deybra Chapman. They were wed and from this union, Victor came forth. Forrest also acquired another son and daughter, DyShon Warren and Serena Warren Justice. Forrest helped raise and love them into adulthood. Deb and Forrest were often teased about their strong bonds. Once wasn't enough, they had to do it three times - get married that is, lol. Even after his health started to fail, Forrest still gave of himself. He volunteered at the food pantry for St. Patrick's. He also drove for Norman Oliver's organization taking children to and from school. He worked the Polls for over 50 years. But most of all, Forrest enjoyed celebrating the growth and accomplishments of those he loved. Prior to his illness, Forrest was an Usher and Armour Bearer at Mother AUFCMP Church. He could be found there in the kitchen preparing meals for special occasions at the Church, along side John Monk and others. Forrest was actually doing service at the Church when he collapsed suddenly. This led to his eventual retirement due to disability. Forrest cared very deeply about those he loved. He was a willing helper to anyone in need. He had an appreciation for those placed in his life. His gentle spirit grieved the losses over the years, especially those that were of special significance to him. Next to doing things with those he loved, watching the Eagles was his favorite thing to do. In addition to the Eagles, critiquing the commentators on MSNBC was next. Forrest could always give you a debate on anything which would be worthy of having you do some research before you got with him again. In addition to his father and mother, Forrest was preceded in death by his brother, Victor L. Walker; his sister Christine Lawrence (John), and sister Patricia (Patsy) Walker. Forrest leaves to cherish his legacy and memory, brother Melvin Bell (Mercedes) of Bloomfield, NJ, sister JoAnne Hayman, his children Rolanda V. Walker, Forrest L. Walker, Jr. of Tallahassee, FL, Victor J. Walker, DyShon Warren and Serena Warren-Justice, grand children Clifford R. Stokes, Jr., Renardo Stokes, Shanequia Stokes, and Chloe Walker; great grandchildren, Kayden Stokes, Zariah Stokes, and Za'Kari Stokes. God daughter Nicole Hayman-Brooks; nieces Jacqueline Hayman-Carter, Crystal Hayman-Wilson, Stephanie Hayman-Lambert, Jasmine Murray, and Michelle Lawrence; nephews Thomas Hayman, Jr., and Lamontz Hayman, Jerome, and John Lawrence, Jr of NC, Danny (Anna) Lawrence of New Carrolton, MD; his Best friend and former wife Deybra Chapman; and a host of other loving family and friends. You are invited to a Zoom webinar. The live stream will start at TIME OF SERVICE or once the casket is closed. Zoom Live Stream Details Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89514139863 Webinar ID: 895 1413 9863

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Forrest L. Walker Sr.

April 12, 1949 - May 3, 2022