Life Reflections

Rena Helen Younger Walker, better known as "Gan-Gan", was born on June 22, 1928 in Frost, TX to the parentage of the late Ive and Louise Younger. She was the fourth born out of five siblings where they grew up in Tyler, TX.  Rena graduated from Emmett Scott High School in Tyler, where she was an active alumna and received the Scottie Award for being the eldest living member for the graduating class of 1946. She also graduated from Paul Quinn College in Waco, TX, where she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.  She married Robert Walker Sr., who preceded her in death. To this union five children were born; three sons, Ronnie, Reginald, and Robert Jr. "B.W.", who preceded her in death, and two daughters, Renee and Rochelle.

Rena retired from Dallas ISD in 2000 where she worked in Finance and Athletics Departments for 30 years. At an early age, Rena came to know Christ at Ebenezer AME Church in Tyler, TX. She later became an active member at Bethel AME in Dallas, TX for over 40 years where she received many accolades and numerous awards. Those who knew Rena can definitely agree that she was indeed a God-fearing woman who not only loved her church, but loved working to ensure that she was committed to the work of the Lord.  She was a charter member and President of the Golden Girls Senior Ministry, Secretary of Sunday School, Corresponding Secretary for Missionary Society, Member of the Women's Missionary Society, Trustee Board, and the receiver of the Queen Ester Award. She received a stole at the North Texas Conference for being the Women's Missionary Society Pearl Member, meaning she has been in the society for 25 years. She was also crowned Queen for the Senior Hutchins Living Center.  Rena loved to organize events at her church and took pride in winning awards for having the most family at her annual church anniversary, and Friends and Family Day.

Rena leaves to cherish her memories: two children: Renee' (Michael) Henderson and  Rochelle (Jonnie) German; daughter- in-laws: Glenda Walker and Linda Walker; sister: June Green; seventeen  grandchildren: Jeannie Renee Walker, John R. (Constance) Walker, Tyrone Walker, Leslie (Joyce) Walker, Theresa Walker, J.W. Walker II, Ronnie Walker Jr. (Angela), Damian (Krislynn) Henderson, Tiffany Walker, Kimberli Walker, Kandice Henderson, Shuntae Walker, Ashli Henderson, Kristen (Kevin) Jones, April Walker, Jasmine (Eric) Hood Jr., Oliver Johnson III "Trey"; twenty-six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.