Our mom, Darlene Stroble Walker, 83, better known as “Aunt Darlene” and “A Praying Woman”, who had a love for Lincoln Cadillacs, passed away from this life to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026, at George Washington University Hospital surrounded by her three daughters and granddaughter. She had just returned home from her brother-in-law, Karl Pearson's funeral.

Born on October 27, 1942, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, to the late Sarah E. and James F. Stroble, she was the oldest daughter of ten children; her sister, Shirley May Fowlkes, and brothers, Charlie M. and Paul E. Stroble preceded her in death.

Darlene lived her life in faith, trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly. She would often quote one of her favorite bible scriptures from Psalm 91, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" and sing “Praise Is What I Do!” Her walk with Jesus Christ guided her decisions and showed others how to love unconditionally. Though firm in her convictions, it demonstrated her genuine desire to see you grow and flourish in your relationship with the heavenly father.

She attended church at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church at an early age with family under the leadership of Reverend McPhee and received her education at Old West End School in the community of Skipwith, Virginia.

She was first employed as a seamstress for the shirt factory in Chase City, VA. She also had her first child, a son, Jerome Stroble. During that time, and although deeply valued in her roots, she knew it was time for a change. She decided to transition from the country lifestyle to a new city located in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA to live there for several years with her Aunt Jessie.

She then moved to Alexandria, VA and continue building her family and had her second child, Sonji Sands, while being employed as a cashier at the Fannie Mae Candy store inside the Ronald Regan Washington National Airport, formerly named Washington National Airport and managed other part-time employees (at NASA & GEICO) before her final move to Washington, DC.

There she started a new chapter with her surviving husband, Fred, embracing identical twin girls, Yolanda and Rolanda. She continued her career at NASA and ultimately retired from GEICO in Bethesda, Maryland as a line cook after several years of dedication.

Her love for God and people inspired her to join the Soul Saving Center Church of God; also knows as little brick church on the corner filled with the Holy Ghost located in Northwest, DC, just three streets from Howard University where she was later ordained by the late reverend Beauty D. Hines as minister to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

She always had a stylish wardrobe, a full tank of gas, the King James Version bible in her hand, feet to the pedal, and prayer warrior and sister, Emmalene Pearson, in the passenger seat. Together, they took her ministry beyond the sanctuary as they traveled like Jesus did to spread faith, compassion, and truth to all who would listen even occasionally at the shopping malls (preferably Macy's, Stein Mart, Belk and Dillard's) to acquire a few new blessings we call clothing.

Her faith journey didn't end on the road, neither in God's sanctuary, she shared it within her community. She discipled and uplifted whomever she met through prayer, or by silently serving. She always made time for those around her. Her life was a true testament of faith, humility, and devotion.

She found joy in life's simple and beautiful moments traveling on family bus trips planned by our Aunt Emmalene Pearson, that included visiting Cedar Point, OH; Six Flags in New Jersey and many other places. She also frequently traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC to pray and feel God's peace in the sounds of the ocean waves. Traveling brought her great excitement and exposure to new experiences which she constantly enjoyed sharing those stories and memories as part of this life's treasures.

Darlene's passion for creativity gave her joy in sewing beautiful clothing, nurturing plants, and caring for cats. These passions were not just hobbies, they were expressions of her generous and caring spirit.

In her final days, she remained devoted and active member of the First Baptist Church of Deanwood located in Washington, D.C., led by Bishop Reverend Dr. Keith J. Martin, fully living by faith until the very end.

We are so blessed to have had a mother that had been our mentor, teacher, supporter, aspiration, inspiration, encourager, and most importantly, best friend. You will forever be in our hearts, but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Rest in peace, Mom.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Fred Lewis Walker; for children, Jerome Stroble, Sonji Delphine Sands, Yolanda Walker, Rolanda Walker; six brothers and sisters, James F. Stroble Jr., Joyce M. Reed (Charles), Lula A Boyd, Jerry L. Stroble (Brenda), Reana J. House (Donald), Emmalene Pearson; five granchildren, (Raquan, Shelmeka, Davon, De'Angelo and Damien), five great grandchildren (Quincy, Adonnis, De' Angelo, Jr., Haley and Arielle) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A graveside service was held for Mrs. Walker on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Pulliam Family Private Cemetery, Boydton, VA. Elder Charles D. Allen delivered the eulogy.

Carter's Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.