Melva Jean Johnson-Walker

Melva Jean Johnson-Walker was born in Houston, Texas on July 8, 1943 to Dorothy and Howard Johnson. She was the third of four children. While attending Eighth Avenue Elementary, Francis Harper Junior High, Jack Yates High School, and Booker T. Washington High School, Melva (Jean) enjoyed a passion for the fine arts-- particularly music and the violin.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1961, Melva (Jean) began her collegiate studies as an English major at Prairie View University. She ultimately earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in Music; followed by a Masters of Arts in Education in 1980 from Texas Southern University.

She met and married Johnnie Dean Walker and the union lovingly produced one daughter, LaJuana T. Walker. In 1985, Melva (Jean) welcomed a second daughter, Essence Walker-Riley. Melva (Jean) enjoyed a 35-plus year career as an educator in the Houston Independent School District before retiring in 2003. She touched many lives at Travis, Helms, and Concord Elementary schools. Over the course of her career she achieved numerous certifications from: Columbia University (NYC), Rice University, and Houston Baptist University and earned recognition as a Master Reading Specialist in 2001 from Neuhaus Education Center.

Melva (Jean) accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W.E. Walker where she remained for many years under the stewardship of Dr. S.J. Gilbert Sr., Pastor Emeritus. In the 1980s, she moved her membership and family to the Community of Faith, led by Dr. James W.E. Dixon II. Just prior to her passing, Melva (Jean) returned to her home church of Mt. Sinai led by Dr. S.J. Gilbert II.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2020, Melva (Jean) entered eternal rest after a lengthy illness. Melva (Jean) was proceeded in death by both parents, one sister Carol L. Winters and her brother Howard T. Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters LaJuana and Essence, son-in-love Adrian; and three grandchildren, Paris, Caleb, and Skylar. She also leaves her sister Shirley Harrell, sister-in-law Carolyn Johnson, aunt Ida Belle Richardson, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and special friends Marian Dever, Mercedes Hunter, Shirley Ingram, Rubye Delores Steward, and Sherry Smith.