Barbara Estelle Walker

Barbara Estelle Walker, affectionately known as “Barb” or “Mama Walker,” to family and friends, departed this life on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in the comforts of her home of 35 years. Barbara was a remarkable woman, whose life exemplified compassion, love, intelligence, and a deep appreciation for culture. Her journey was one of humility, grace, and kindness, leaving an indelible impact as a mentor and confidant to many.

Barbara Walker was the only child born to the late Eddie Mae (Butler) Walker and William Walker in Washington D.C., on June 2, 1947. From an early age, Barbara displayed a passion for learning, immersing herself in books and embracing a strong work ethic that drove her academic achievements. She cherished her close relationship with her mother, and together they delighted in cooking and cherishing moments with their tight-knit family. During her formative years, Barbara's faith flourished as she and her mother embraced Catholicism, leading her to attend Catholic Schools throughout middle and high school. In 1965, she graduated from St. Cecilia's Academy, marking the beginning of an exceptional educational journey.

Breaking barriers within her family, Barbara became the first child to attend and graduate from college. She embarked on a transformative experience at the University of Pennsylvania, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1969. Eager to expand her horizons, she moved to New York City and earned her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from New York University (NYU). Though she cherished her time in the bustling city, Barbara returned to D.C. to be with her beloved mother.

Professionally, Barbara was a Clinical Social Worker, a true master in her field. For 30 years, she devoted her talents to the Arlington County Department of Behavioral Services, playing integral roles as a psychiatric Social Worker, adult mental health services coordinator, and, in her final decade, as a violence intervention/parent education program supervisor.

Yet, her proudest accomplishment was her daughter, Alison, whom she lovingly adopted in 1984. As a single black mother adopting in the 80s, Barbara was a trailblazer, instilling in Alison the values of education, meaningful relationships, and a heart for service. Her teachings on compassion and leadership shaped Alison, who, like her mother, became a clinical social worker and now champions social justice by dismantling oppressive systems and promoting health and wellness.

Even in retirement, Barbara's commitment to service remained steadfast. She embraced her role as a school social worker at Washington Middle School for Girls, contributed to the development and delivery of an emotion coaching parenting program in collaboration with a professor from Catholic University, and dedicated seven years as the recording secretary for the Howard University Friends of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.

Embracing her love for literature and cultural exploration, Barbara was an active participant for over 30 years with the African American Literary Guild, fondly referred to as “We Be Readin’”. These gatherings nurtured intellectual connections that blossomed into lifelong friendships, forming a literary family. Barbara's adventurous spirit led her to traverse the globe, visiting Spain, Italy, Rome, countries in Africa, and, in retirement, Cuba, China, India, Greece, and other parts of the Mediterranean. She also discovered a new passion in hand dancing, and loved being a part of "The Line Dance Addicts" at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center.

Left with cherished memories, Barbara is survived by her devoted daughter, Alison, her surrogate daughter Kia (Butler) Smith (Tarik Smith) and her sons Kylee and Keon, and her daughter-in-love Verena McKenzie. Additionally, she leaves behind a host of loving cousins and lifelong friends. Barbara will be deeply missed, her legacy forever imprinted in our hearts.

A memorial gathering for Barbara will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home. Following the memorial gathering will be a memorial service at 9:30 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fort-lincoln.com for the Walker family. In lieu of flowers, if you'd like to make a charitable donation in Barbara's name, the family encourages you to consider the Resilient Sisterhood Project, that supports black women dealing with gynecological cancers. Please check out their online donation page and have them note that the donation is in Barbara's memory. If a check donation is preferred, please mail it to the address listed on their website and note that the donation is in Barbara's memory in the memo.