Sterling J. Walker

Sterling Junior Walker also known as ‘Powsie Wowsie’, ‘Poppa Smurf,’ and ‘Raw Hide,’ just to name a few of his ‘love names,’ was born March 27, 1930 to the late Waverly and Pauline Walker in Turner’s Station, Maryland. He departed this life on Monday, January 31, 2005 in Northwest Hospital where he quietly went to be with the Lord. He was the second oldest of 11 children born to the couple who resided in Turner’s Station, Maryland and later moved to Milliman Street in East Baltimore. Sterling received his early education in Baltimore City Public Schools and later pursued an extensive course study in cabinetry making. He later enlisted in the United States Army. Corporal Sterling Walker’s military duty took him to Korea and he received an honorable discharge for his military service to his country. Upon returning home from duty, he married Ruth Hamilton on June 15, 1952. From this union, two daughters were born, Adrienne Linette Walker and Shari Lynn Walker. The family lived in Govans while Sterling worked at Bethlehem Steel, Sparrows Point in operational and mechanical positions. Sterling found another love, Mount Zion Baptist Church, which he joined on May 5, 1985. Five days later, he was baptized there. Doing the work of the Lord, taking care of his family and working at Beth Steel were his priorities until he retired from Bethlehem Steel on December 31, 1986 after 30 years of service. From then on, the work of the church became his full time ministry. Sterling was either fixing up things around Mount Zion, serving communion with the Deacons, visiting the sick, spending time with the students of the Mount Zion Baptist Church Christian School or just fellowshipping with his Pastor whom he loved dearly. On Sunday September 22, 1991, Sterling was ordained as a Deacon which was the height of his Christian Journey. Not to mention that reading the Word of God and getting on his knees to pray were his top priorities. Sterling’s hobbies included working with his hands, watching ‘Jeopardy’ and ‘The Wheel of Fortune’ television game shows faithfully. He also enjoyed watching sports on television as tackle football was his favorite childhood sport. Sterling also enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren. However, he shared a special relationship with his grandson, Evan Jerron Pittman, whom he cared for after his retirement as a live-in care giver. Sterling leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Ruth H. Walker; one son, Sterling Walker, Jr. (Diane); three daughters, Adrienne Walker-Pittman (Jerry), Shari Jackson (Nelson), Bernadette Lipscomb (Hilary), 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; one brother, Calvin Walker (Debbie) of Oklahoma, three sisters, Thelma Marks, Margaret Quarles, and Nina Burns all of Baltimore, Maryland; two sisters-in law, Dorothy Lyles and Gertrude Banks of Baltimore, Maryland and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Sterling J. Walker

March 27, 1930 - January 31, 2005