July 20, 1951 – April 15, 2022
John was born to the late Constina Stigall-Walker and the late Jimmie Walker on July 20, 1951 in Mecklenburg County Virginia. He weighed 8 pounds and some ounces, a healthy big boy. John was affectionally known as, “Buck”, to his family. His grandma Mary gave him that name as he was her pride and joy.
At an early age, John was stricken with a fever which affected his brain and caused him to become non-verbal. Around the age of twelve, our mother had to make the decision to place him in a home which was Southside Virginia Training Center in Petersburg,Virginia.
Our mother visited him quite often, and would take him treats that he loved like grapes. “Watch out for your fingers, he might bite them” she would say, (this happened with his niece Crystal on one of our visits when she was about 7 years old), but then he gave her a gentle pat on the head indicating that he understood she was a child.
John was transferred to his new residence, Unity Family Services on June 26, 2013, where he acquired a new family. John was surrounded by people that he loved who also loved him. He enjoyed listening to music, going for a walk outside, and the day trips with his friends. John was known as the “side-eye king” by the medical staff who helped him and recently spent much time with him. They said he spoke very loudly with his eyes.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Constina and Jimmie; grandmother Mary; grandfather John; great grandmother, Anna, and his brother, Jimmie “Boo”. John received a call from God on April 15, 2022, who informed him that his new and everlasting home was ready to receive him. Rest in peace John.
He leaves to cherish his memorable life: his sister, Joyce; brother-in-law Carlisle; nieces, Renelle, Crystal, and Shenisha; nephews, Steve, Kaleef, Avery, and Brandon; great-nephew, Camren, and great-nieces Taylor and Kaleigh.
We, the family would like to graciously acknowledge each and every person that was involved with John’s stay at Unity Family Services as well as other locations. If you do not see your name listed, we give you a big apology, and a huge heartfelt thank you. Thank you, Mr. Edward Barlow, Ms. Robin Burrow, Ms. Delores Brown, Mr. Edmond, Megan Brake, Mr. Taylor, Rachel Green, Ms. Williams, Detra Patterson, Tawanda Robinson, Ryan Marty, Amanda Powell, Tina Burton, and staff at Bon Secours-Southside Regional Medical Center, Bon Secours-St. Mary’s Hospital, and Hospice.
Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.