Walter Barham

The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)On October 18, 2001, God called home to eternal rest, His son, Walter James Barham, Jr.Walter was born on April 15, 1970, in Baltimore, Maryland, the only son of his beloved parents, Doris and Walter Barham, Sr. He was a very special young man and he loved people. He never met a stranger. He was fondly known among the Zion Baptist Family as the “up front church greeter”. Not only was he the “up front greeter” at Zion, his gift of hospitality was matched by his charm, and it was experienced at every family gathering. Walt had the spirit of a “Prince Charming”, always kissing the ladies hands and winning every one’s heart that he met.Walter was diagnosed as having Cerebral Palsy when he was 14 months, so at the tender age of 2 ½ years old, Walter became a student at the Delrey Development Center in Catonsville, MD. At the age of 6 1/2, he entered the William S. Baer School and remained there until the age of 21. Upon graduation, he then became a client at the United Cerebral Palsy Adult Center in Arbutus, MD. Even though Walter was a special needs person, he had the privilege of traveling with his parents and sister to at least 29 States, Canada and Mexico. On his first and only flight to California, you would have thought he was a “seasoned” flyer. He loved that flying experience; however, Disney World was his favorite vacation “hot spot”.Unable to speak or walk, his presence served as a constant source of strength and encouragement to others who were challenged. He had small eyes and a small body frame, but his spirit was so large that he challenged others to fight, never give up, and never gives in. Walt had a champion and enduring spirit. It is this champion spirit that led to the vision and birth of the Deaf Ministry of Zion and continues to birth hope, courage and long suffering.In addition to his parents, Walt leaves to carry on his champion spirit, one sister, Erica Barham; two grandmothers, Jacquelyn Barham and Catherine Richardson; godparents, Herbert and Sarah Waddell; nine aunts, nine uncles and a host of other relatives and friends.When peace like a river attendeth my wayAnd sorrows like sea billows roll,Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,It is well; it is well with my soul.It is well, (It is well)With my soul (with my soul)It is well; it is well with my soul.The Family

Tributes

Walter Barham

April 15, 1970 - October 18, 2001