Mrs. Helen E. Walker, 97 of Owings Mills, MD entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Northwest Hospital, Randallstown, MD following a period of declining health. Mrs. Walker was born on December 17, 1924, in Hickory, North Carolina to the late Reverend Carl and Mary Jo Johnson Hawkins.

Helen accepted Christ at a very young age. She faithfully attended the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Valdese, North Carolina. She remained a faithful member until her departure from Morganton. Although she no longer lived in North Carolina, Helen continued to support the church and visit as often as she could.

Helen was formally educated in the North Carolina public school system. She completed her secondary education and graduated from the Olive Hill High School in Morganton. Helen then sought her parents' blessings to leave North Carolina to further her educational and professional goals. Helen left her hometown to embark upon her journey and moved to Washington, DC.

Helen's transition proved fruitful, as she was highly successful in all of her endeavors. Helen had a compassion for caring for others. She loved to serve in any capacity that she could. While seeking employment in Washington, Helen's primary goal was to work in a field that would be rewarding and would allow her to give back and be a blessing to others. God moved mightily and answered her prayers.

Helen began volunteering as a Candy Stripe Nurse for a major hospital near the DC area. Helen worked in the Pediatrics Department of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Working at Walter Reed confirmed to Helen that God had given her a very strong affinity to work with children. Helen's gifts also became very evident to her colleagues and hospital staff as well. After a very short time, they strongly encouraged Helen to pursue a career as a nurse. Helen successfully completed her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She maintained her position for over 40 years at Walter Reed Medical Center until her retirement.

Upon her arrival to Washington, Helen also searched for a church where she could continue to serve the Lord. Helen joined Friendship Baptist Church in Southeast Washington, which she attended for a few years. In the early 1950's, God led Helen to visit Emmanuel Baptist Church also in Washington, DC which she later joined.  Helen remained a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for over 70 years until her passing. Throughout her many years of service, Helen served on various committees and auxiliaries such as the Women's Ministry, Women's Club, Baptist Training Union, Unity Sunday School, Christian Education, Second Mass Choir, and many others.

Helen also had a love for music and especially singing which was something that she thoroughly enjoyed. One of Helen's greatest joys was singing with the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America of which she was a member of the Washington, DC chapter. Singing with the workshop choir gave Helen the opportunity to travel all over the world. She would often share stories of her experiences. It brought Helen so much joy to reflect on how she had literally travelled to every state and various countries to sing. Helen, affectionately known as "Aunt Helen" to many lived an abundant life. We will miss her, but we rejoice in knowing that she has gone home to be with her Lord.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Brother Elonzo (Dorothy) Hawkins, Sisters; Gaylain (Gaither) Connelly and Neta Mae (Robert) Duren, Stepmother, Mabel Hawkins; and Step Sister, Beatrice Johnson, Step Brother, James (Helen) Fullwood and Nephews; Carl (Myrtle) Hawkins, Marshall (Mildred) Hawkins, Alonzo Hawkins, Bradley (Angel) Hawkins, Leonard (Ann) Hawkins, Everett (Joyce) Connelly, Sr, Reverend Marvin (Doris) Connelly, Sr., Herman (Gail) Connelly, James (Sandra) Connelly, Cline Connelly, Sr. and Niece, Ida (Elvin) Conaway.

She is survived by her Nephews; Larry Joe (Mary Alice Connelly) of Valdese, NC, Bruce (Judy) Hawkins of Valdese, NC, and Freddie (Rickey) Hawkins of Lenior, NC, Horace (Doris) Duren and Baltimore, MD, and Niece Shirley (Lee) Morton of Baltimore, MD and a host of other nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2409 Aigner Place, Washington, DC with the Reverend Christopher L. Nichols officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the church. Graveside services will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, 4301 Berry School Avenue, Valdese, NC at 12:00 pm on October 17, 2022. With the Rev. Wesley Hendrix, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be rendered to Emmanuel Baptist Church in the name of Helen Elizabeth Hawkins Walker. Marshall-March Funeral Home of Washington, DC and McCain Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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