Essie Lee Barnes was born February 9, 1941 in Clarksville, Texas. She was born to the union of Lillie Mae and Banks Barnes. After leaving Clarksville she moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Then she moved to Denver, Colorado, where she reared her educational goals at Cole Junior High and Manual High School. After graduating high school Essie attended Cosmetology School and worked at Charlene's House of Beauty. She loved cooking which lead to her opening her own catering business "La Femanic Catering." In her later years she drove a bus for RTD, where she worked for 30 years and retired.
She married James E. Walker, Sr. and of this union four children were born: Angel Galloway of Thornton, Colorado; James (Jeannie) Walker; Dean (Charlotte) Walker of Denver, Colorado; Lachell "DD" Walker (Victor) Garnes of Aurora, Colorado. Essie is also survived by brothers James (Sonny) Barnes of Denver, Colorado, Ismail Barnes of St. Louis, Missouri; sisters Salley Ann Rosie, Alice, Joyce Barnes of St. Louis, Missouri. She is preceded in death by sister Linda Kay Dishmond of Michigan. Essie has 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives.
