Maxine Walker (Lansing)

Mrs. Maxine Walker passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at her residence in Lansing, Michigan. Age 85 years. She was born on Friday, July 21, 1939, in Gould, Lincoln County, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Jesse and Eula M. Shine Towns and stepfather, Melton Towns, Sr. 

Affectionately known as “Sister Walker” by many, she was the beloved only child of Jesse Shine, Jr. and Eula Mae Shine Towns and the cherished stepdaughter of Mr. Melton Towns, Sr. Sister Maxine Walker made Lansing, Michigan, her home for 71 years. She was united in marriage with Clifton Walker, raising six children together. Maxine built a long and rewarding career at General Motors, starting on the production line before advancing to the role of Body Care Coordinator. After 32 years of dedicated service, she retired, leaving a legacy of hard work and commitment. 

Sister Walker had a servant’s heart, always giving her time and energy to help others. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, provided comfort through hospice care, and cared for many elderly individuals in her community. Her kindness and compassion were unwavering, touching countless lives. 

Sister Walker’s faith guided every aspect of her life. She dedicated herself to serving in her church, working as an usher, contributing to the hospitality committee, and volunteering wherever she was needed. Her quiet yet steadfast devotion to God was evident in her actions, as she lived out her faith with humility and love. “More than anything, she loved her family and friends. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and deeply loved. Mom was both fun and no-nonsense—she knew how to bring laughter into any moment but never hesitated to speak the truth. Above all, she had the biggest heart, always giving and caring for those around her. Her home was filled with warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging. The love, laughter, and memories she created will stay with us forever. 

She leaves to cherish in her memory her Children: 5 daughters, Kim (John) Robertson, Debbie (James) Edokpolo, Rhonda (Evon) Walters, Saundra Sumner, and Gwen (Christopher) Williams; son, Fredrick “Rick" (Vickie) Walker; 17 grandchildren, Tequilla Simmons, Feti Hill, Kenneth Jacobs (Yvonne) Walker, Ashley Walker, Tyler Walker, Kameya (Robert) Young, Kamana, Taylor (Aaron), Reeven (Teresa) Robertson, Christopher (Stacey) Cadogan, Belinda (Kingsley) Edokpolo, Leonard (Liz) Edokpolo, Ephriam Edokpolo, Evon Walters Jr., Ciera Sumner, Aaron Sumner II, Alanna Williams, and Christopher Williams II; 24 great Grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; sister, Mabel Herring; many nieces, nephews, cousins including special cousins, Henry Shine and Patricia Walker; sister-in-law, Verniece Tan Walker; brother-in-law, Homer (Bertha Smith) Walker; many other relatives and friends, including special friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Walker; father, Jesse Shine; mother and stepfather, Eula Towns and Melton Towns Sr.; brother: Melton Towns Jr.; and special aunt, Jessie B. Robinson.