Irene Walker

April 12, 2019

Irene Walker, of Ford Heights, Illinois was born in 1935 in Marvell, Arkansas, to the union of Clifton and Millie Mae Franklin, who predeceased her. She passed away after a brief illness on April 12, 2019. Irene attended Cottage Grove School and graduated from Bloom Township High School. She was baptized at an early age at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, which is currently known as New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, currently the pastor is Dr. Constance A. Shorter and Bishop Jennie Pettis as Overseer. Irene loved her church family, she was an active member of the Mother’s Board and a frequent contributor to the youth ministry. She was married to Ronald Welch and later Charlie Walker. Irene will be lovingly remembered by her children, whom she loved dearly, Cecelia Franklin-Gaines, Maurice (Orjorette) Welch, Regan (Bridget) Welch, Vincent (Valarie) Welch, Kenneth Welch, and Millie Mae Walker. She also leaves to mourn her memory her brother and sisters, Thomas (Erma) Franklin, Roxanne (Emanuel) Bruce, Beatrice (George) Grant, and Henry (Maretta) Franklin. Her numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, who she loved, raised, and nurtured will also miss her dearly, along with a host of nieces and nephews. Irene will be reunited in God’s Kingdom with her dear husband Charlie Walker, her mother and father Clifton and Millie Mae Franklin, and her brothers Clifton (Blanche) and Leroy (Earlean).