Jamelle Arrington Walker was born January 3, 1984 in Indianapolis, Indiana to James Allen Walker, Sr. and Rhonda Lea Walker. He came into this world with his identical twin brother, Jamain Alexander Walker. He left this world surrounded by his youngest children: Anastasia, Israel, and Isaiah on September 24, 2022. He can now rest peacefully in the bosom of Abraham until he is called for the opening of the Book of Life.
There are not enough letters, words, sentences, paragraphs, or books that can describe him. Or even begin to explain his life. But here are a few highlights…
He went to Paul I. Miller Elementary School 114. He attended Merle Sidener Middle School 59. He graduated from Broadripple High School with Academic Honors. He was a member of the Broadripple High School choir. He was a pianist. He could play any song just by hearing it once. He played the drums. He was a talented singer. He was among the first to attend college with his twin brother, Jamain, at Purdue University. He was a student staff member at the Black Cultural Center at Purdue University. He was also a member of New Directional Players, an acting group on Purdue’s campus. He met his wife, Eugenia Tanner, in Earhart Hall at Purdue University. Every day he would ask her if she wanted free piano lessons. Free piano lessons turned into a friendship. The friendship turned into love. They married July 15, 2006. They welcomed four children in Lafayette, Indiana: Eucarius, Jasmin, Jazarae, and Alina. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor in Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision. While at Purdue University he became a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Delta Omicron Chapter. He was known as Big Brother OWTBREAK. Ship: I.S.R.A.M.P.A.G.E. He was involved in multiple activities through his Fraternity to improve the Black community while on campus.
While in college in Lafayette, Indiana he was a member of Second Baptist Church. He sang in the choir and played the drums. After he graduated from Purdue he attended Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lafayette, Indiana where he was the Minister of Music. After his wife graduated from Purdue University they moved back to Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended New Baptist Church at 1211 Dr. Martin Luther King until he died. While at this church he did anything that was asked of him. He would always say, “I will serve Him till I die!”
Once he moved back to Indianapolis he became the President of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc Indianapolis chapter. He served in multiple roles while in this organization.
Jamelle had multiple careers throughout the years. Recently, he was a partner at DT Freight. His main job was to serve God, be a child of God, be a father to his children, be a son to his parents, be a brother, and be a loving husband.
April 2014 on a Sunday, Jamelle went to church to serve the Lord. While at church he had an episode where he could not breathe. The paramedics were called. While in the back of the ambulance he stopped breathing. They performed CPR on him. Once he started breathing on his own again they took him to IU Health Methodist Hospital. He coded twice in the emergency room. The ER staff worked on him for over 45 minutes. They were able to revive him. He was in the hospital for several weeks. The doctors came to the family telling them to pull the plug. However, the family refused because they knew God Answers Prayers. The next day, Jamelle woke up. He could not see, hear, speak, or move. Over the next several months he worked hard to gain back the abilities he lost. He gained his sight, his speech, his hearing, and his ability to move. A year later his brother, Javon, gave him yet another chance to continue to live by giving him the gift of a new kidney. Jamelle was grateful. He considered this his last chance and he wanted to get it right. He had already died three times and yet lived. Every chance he could get he would tell people how God saved his life, how the doctors had counted him out, and how God answered his family’s prayers.
After his kidney transplant Jamelle wanted to have more children. The doctors told him since he had such a traumatic experience in the hospital that it would be impossible for him to have kids. And yet, he had 4 more that he welcomed from 2016 to 2021: Anastasia, Israel, Isaiah, and Eugene.
Jamelle was saved and wanted everyone around him to be saved too. His children had Bible study multiple times during the day. Church service didn’t just happen on Sunday but also on Saturday and other days during the week in the home. He wanted his children to love the Lord as much as he did. He wanted them to be equipped to face all challenges the world would throw at them. He tried his best not to miss church. You would always see him with his 8 children marching down the church aisles.
Jamelle was a loving husband that would go above and beyond for his family. If you met him you would never forget him. He was always the center of attention. Everyone loved Jamelle. There was just something about him that drew people near. He will be missed forever and ever!
If you can’t remember anything else about Jamelle, remember this…
“Put God first! Whatever you do, be the best at it.”
- Quoting Jamelle Arrington Walker
A letter from his parents James and Rhonda Walker:
Our Beloved Son, Jamelle. Our first Born, by 5 minutes, has always shown patience and self control. These Qualities set forth a Beautiful and giving Spirit. Jamelle has faced Obstacles, that would Test the Faith of the Everyday Man. But His Love for God, Our Lord was unshakable.
He was A spectacular Son.
A Remarkable Brother.
And the Most Devoted,
Hands on Husband And Father.
You are truly Missed.
Till we meet again,
Love Mom & Dad
He was preceded in death by Jamain Alexander Walker (identical twin brother), Danny Walker (uncle), Marjorie Walker (grandmother), William Walker (grandfather), Mildred James (grandmother), Robert Lancaster (grandfather). He leaves behind:
Wife: Eugenia Renita Tanner
Children: Eucarius JayReece Walker, Jasmin Anya Walker, Jazarae Amya Walker, Alina Jazlynn Walker, Anastasia India Walker, Israel Elijah Walker, Isaiah Jamelle Chad Walker, Eugene JT Walker
Parents: James Walker, Sr. & Rhonda Walker
Brothers: James Walker, Jr. & Javon Walker
Uncles: Micheal James, Larry James, Steve James, Aaron Walker, William Walker, Jr.
Aunts: JoAnn Pardue, Teresa Edmonds, Debra James, Donswella James
Sister-in-laws: Rachell Tanner, Shenita Tanner, Sharina Tanner, Jamiel Walker, Carrie Walker
Brother-in-laws: Ray Tanner, Jr., Chad Tanner, Malcolm Tanner, Quincy Tanner, Ernest Dotson, Derrick Staggers, Steven McKinnon
Nieces & Nephews: Multiple Walker, Tanner, Dotson, Austin, McKinnon, & Staggers children
The family of Jamelle Arrington Walker will be present to receive friends from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Williams and Bluitt Funeral Home Peoples' Chapel, 5252 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Interment will follow at Sutherland Park Cemetery, 4201 Millersville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.williamsandbluitt.com for the Walker family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5