Willie "Grace" Walker

Willie 'Grace' Parker was born on January 30, 1936, in Lake, Mississippi, to Eddie and Carrie Parker Sr. She was the fourth of ten children from that union. Growing up in a large and lively household, Grace loved spending time with her siblings. She especially cherished tagging along on adventures with her big brother Johnnie—whether hunting or exploring. She took pride in being Bernice's big sister and protector. As more sisters came along, mischief was never far behind; sneaking out of the house window became a favored pastime.

At seventeen, Grace was blessed to give birth to her first child, a baby girl named Wendy. A few years later, she met and married Willie B. Garner, Sr., on April 1, 1956. Together, they welcomed three more children: Bernard, Carla, and Willie B. Garner, Jr.

In 1974, Grace began working for the International Harvester Company. In 1976, she found her professional home at John Deere Company, where she thrived for two decades. She rose through the ranks to become a supervisor, a position she held until her retirement in 1996. Never one to stay still, Grace started a part-time job as a school bus monitor for First Student Bus Company, working alongside her youngest daughter, Carla.

Much later in life, Grace met and married Jim Walker, expanding her journey with new love and companionship.

Grace's life was full of vibrant passions. She adored spending time with her family and friends, especially dining out. Any restaurant she visited knew that the food better be up to her standards—or she'd let them know on the spot. She found joy in traveling, shopping, and playing cards. Grace had a deep, unwavering love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always going above and beyond to support, show up, and brag about them. That same love extended to her nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was loyal, honest to a fault, and fiercely independent, a trait instilled by her upbringing. Grace believed in having her own money and doing things on her terms. She never liked waiting or asking permission, so she moved on her time: usually rushing, often running late, and always driving fast—but she could be counted on to show up.

Her faith was a foundation in her life. Grace loved God deeply and gave Him credit for her blessings and lessons. She was a proud member of Grace Christian Fellowship Church, where she worshipped with dedication.

Willie' Grace' Walker departed this life on May 14, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and spirited independence.

She is survived by her daughters Wendy (John (D)) Allen of Colorado and Carla Downton of Kansas City, MO; her son Bernard "Tony" Garner of Kansas City, MO; and her beloved grandchildren: Tracy Allen (CO), Anthony Canady (KCMO), Jajuan Evans (KCMO), Adrienne Grace (Andrew) Griffin (AZ), and Samaria Ford (CA). Her great-grandchildren include Tyler Allen (LA), Serenity Sloang (KCMO), and Divinity, Spirit, Truthful, Pureness, and Duke Griffin (AZ). Her siblings also survive her: Arnetta (Fred) Starnes (CO), Laura Jetkins (CO), Eddie Parker, Jr. (CO), and Valesta (Adrian) Clark (CO), along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Carrie Parker, Sr.; her siblings, Carrie Long, Dorothy Parker, Johnnie Parker, Sr., Bernice Harris, and Herbert Parker; her son, Willie B. Garner, Jr.