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Obituary For Mary Walker
MARY ELIZABETH WALKER was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the late John E. and Ethel L. Williams. As their youngest and only daughter, she was the apple of their eyes.
Mary gave her life to Christ and was baptized at an early age. She attended school in Harrisburg and graduated from John Harris High School before leaving home to attend the “Nation’s First Degree-Granting HBCU”, Lincoln University. While at Lincoln, in 1976, Mary was initiated as a member of the Zeta Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she continued her family’s legacy of community service. While at Lincoln, Mary traveled to Paris, France to study French. She was honored by her fellow students at Lincoln in 1978, when she was named to its Royal Court as “Miss. Lincoln”, where she served as the official student host and ambassador for the university. Mary was a proud graduate of Lincoln University in the Class of 1979 with a degree in English.
Mary was a dedicated leader in Early Childhood Education. She was the Supervisor of Family Education Centers at the Community Action Commission and the Director of the Early Childhood program at the East Shore YMCA. She was also a teacher at the Jewish Community Center. Mary created and facilitated the implementation of a program called “Safety Trained Assistance for Residential Support” know as STARS. This program allowed members of the community to engage in training to help ensure the safety of their families, especially their children. Topics that Mary included in this innovative program were, Red Cross certified First Aid training and home safety practices that included but were not limited to poison control and fire safety.
Mary was a dedicated and active member of Tabernacle and as her parents before her, she attended Sunday School and at times assisted as a Sunday School teacher. Mary dedicated her musical talents to Tabernacle and other local churches when she served as a member of the choir, pianist and Minister of Music.
Mary exemplified her artistic talents when she started a hobby creating jewelry. She subsequently sold many of her pieces at several church bazaars and craft shows. She thoroughly enjoyed creating special pieces for her husband David and always loved that he wore those pieces proudly. Mary also spent some of her quality time with Lailyn making jewelry “masterpieces” during each visit.
In 2015, Mary was united in marriage to David S. Walker. Their marriage was full of love and fun, as they relished spending time in Maryland with her son Lawrence M. Hamm, Jr., granddaughter, Lailyn M. Hamm, and dear friend and Soror Marie Roberts-Milligan. Mary and David also could be found relaxing at various beaches and attending jazz shows at Blues Alley in DC and the Capital Area Jazz Festival in Columbia, Maryland to name a few. Their home was known as a “safe haven” and the place for family and friends to relax and enjoy the many meals that Mary prepared with love.
Mary leaves to celebrate her life, her devoted husband, David S. Walker; her loving son, Lawrence M. Hamm, Jr.; her brothers, John Williams Jr. and Robert Williams, Sr.; her granddaughter, Lailyn M. Hamm; her aunt, Imogene Key; her nine nieces and nephews, Andrea, Steven, Joshua, Renea, Vanessa, Zack, Robert II, Akia and Devon and a host of extended family and friends.
Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023 in the Sanctuary of her church, 2730 Booser Avenue, Harrisburg with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega Service at 10:00 a.m. and visitation 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
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My superwoman Mary was a musician played violin bass violin and piano sang in the choir and solo beautifully. We had classes together and her mom fed us lunch everyday before 9th grade Geometry class at William Penn so I could spend my lunch money on sax accessories LOL. I played her sweet 16 party and she recruited me to back up her son singing in the high school Homecoming. She was a dedicated educator always talked to me about children exposing them to different things in the arts. Last time I talked to her was about church music she was always trying to recruit me to play in church! Gone way too soon Blessing to her husband and family - kev hurst
❤️Ms Mary, a very beautiful lady who will be greatly missed by everybody who's been Blessed to know her.
❤️Ms Mary,a very beautiful lady who will be greatly missed by every person who was Blessed to know her.
The world has lost a bright light! Mary was a truly kind and beautiful person inside and out. Our dear Captain of Hbg High majorette squad in 1975. Rest in peace
Heartfelt Condolences 🙏 to the entire Family of my sister friend and Classmate "75" May she sleep in Glory Renée B
We remember Mary from the New Voices of Harrisburg. Our prayers are with the family. Walter Piper and Juanita Rawlinson
Mary was a wonderful friend throughout our time in high school. She was caring and supportive, a friend to everyone. Pure class and someone I think of often as a person who helped me, and others I'm sure, survive high school. Mary had a smile and a kind word when times were tough. Sending love to her family. Even though I haven't seen her since 1975, she always has a place in my heart. Brian Anderson
My Condolences To The Family! I Remember Mary She Was A Very Sweet Person! Always With A Smile!
My deepest condolences to the family. Mary and I were friends in high school but we lost touch. She was a wonderful person and her accomplishments speak volumes. May she rest in peace and her family be comforted by memories of her. Caroline Emerick Mael
My condolences to the family of Mary. Mary was not only my 1975 school classmate but a teenage friend. She was a loving person and a good friend to know. Rest Well my friend.
Michele Branch
My condolences to the family of Mary. Mary was not only my 1975 school classmate but a teenage friend. She was a loving person and a good friend to know. Rest Well my friend.
My condolences to the family may God Bless you with peace and comfort 🙏
I am so sorry to hear of the heartbreaking loss of Mary. We were friends as well as coworkers teaching at the J.C.C. And spent our lunch breaks together. She was an awesome teacher and made classes fun for the kids and us . She loved her family dearly and was so proud of Lawrence.I thank the Lord for all the wonderful memories and the hearty laughs in my friendship and teaching with her. My deepest heartfelt sympathy and prayers out to the family during this difficult time and all of the difficult moments sure to come in your grief 😢🙏🙏🙏🙏
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