Biography:

Funeral Service

Friday, May 12, 2023—4:00PM
Owens Funeral Home Chapel
216 Lenox Avenue, New York, New York 10027
Professor Anthony Evans—Organist

Obituary

Yolanda Denise Walker was born on November 30, 1957 to her parents, Arthur Walker, Jr. and Shirley Thomas-Walker in Fort Benning, GA.  The family migrated to New York City from Georgia in the early 1960s, and settled in the Bronx. She was the only child from their union, and was raised with her aunt/sister, Arnetia Walker-Francis. Yolanda was educated in the public school system in New York City. She received an Associates Degree from Touro College in Business Administration.

Yolanda was a fun loving person and always up for a good time, and used to be playfully teased about finding “friends” everywhere she went.  Yolanda was excellent at barbecuing, which she inherited from her father, affectionately known as Bro. Walker, as well as baking.  She enjoyed preparing dinners for and entertaining family and friends – which always led to another of her favorite past times, going to the grocery store.  She also enjoyed being at the casino…any casino.  Yolanda had a special affection and unwavering love for her grandchildren, Maya and Malcolm Whites.  She enjoyed attending various cultural and school events with them.

In her early career, Yolanda was employed by Consolidated Edison of New York. After employment at Consolidated Edison, she worked at Marsh McLennan, an insurance company based in New York City.  She assisted with the management of Marsh McLennan’s central files function for over 20 years, until her retirement.  Upon retirement, she was a keeper of family treasures, and was a bridge that helped family members stay in contact with each other.  Yolanda was also a warm and sensitive person, who had a passion for connecting with her neighbors in an effort to develop a sense of community in every place that she lived.

Yolanda was blessed with two children, both of whom dutifully cared for and supported her in numerous ways until her passing.  Yolanda’s relationship with her first love, Calvin Ward, Jr., blessed her with her first born, Takisia Whites.  Then she was blessed with a second child, Shemir Bailey, which resulted from a 40 plus year relationship with Charles Bailey.  Yolanda loved her children deeply, as they were the light of her life. 

Yolanda is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Walker, Jr. and Shirley Thomas-Walker, as well as uncles, aunts and cousins that she loved dearly.  She leaves a daughter, Takisia Whites (Charles) of NY; a son, Shemir Bailey of NY; two grandchildren, Maya and Malcolm Whites of NY; aunts, Arnetia Walker-Francis (Elliott) of NV, Minnie Walker of MD, and Mary Jackson of DE; a nephew, Trevor Francis of CA; close cousins Sherry Love (Thedius) of MD, Shenitra Stephens of GA, Ruthie Manuel of CT, Deborah Jackson of DE, Theresa Jackson of GA, Brian Jackson (Nanette) of AL, Bridget Walker (James) of VA, and Phyllis Walker of MD; and a host of cousins and friends.