Deacon Amos A. Walker

Amos A. Walker was born on March 6, 1940. He was the 4th child of 12 children born to James W. and Sadie L. Bell Walker. He professed hope in Christ at the Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor I. O. Hill. Amos completed his studies at the Conway County Training School (Menifee High School) in 1957 and enrolled at Arkansas AM&N (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff - UAPB), where he graduated in May of 1962 with a Degree in Agriculture. He was employed by the State of Arkansas’ Department of Rehabilitation Services, where he held many positions for 34 years. He retired in March of 1996.

Amos met and married the former Mae Bettye Cross January 21, 1962. To their union, three daughters were born, Sonja, Ramona, and Valerie. Valerie transitioned from this life to eternal life on December 28, 2000.

Amos loved his wife, his children, his grandson, his siblings, his nieces and nephews, his cousins, and his friends. He loved sports, especially football and baseball. He was a big fan of the UAPB Golden Lions. He travelled near and far to football games. Fishing and hunting were hobbies he loved, too. After retirement, he farmed, just to have something to do. He raised the best watermelons, second only to his father. The greatest love of all was the love he had for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Even as Alzheimer’s disease took over his mind, he would still pray for his family on a daily basis.

Amos was ordained a deacon in 1969 at the Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church. He also served in many capacities in the Cypress Creek District Singing Union, Congress and Association. He remained a deacon there until moving his membership to St. John Missionary Baptist in 1996. He was always willing to help and serve others. One of the favorite things he loved to do was sing with the Men of Praise. Mom always said, “he went to rehearsal to play with his friends”. He always had a word of encouragement for those who needed it and a laugh for those who needed to smile.

Amos answered his call to rest on Sunday November 10, 2024, at UAMS after a three-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, his youngest daughter Valerie, three sisters, Alice Reed, Alpha Riley, and Gerline Pitts, three brothers, Arthur, Henry Leon, and Herman, and his parents, James W. and Sadie Bell Walker.

Amos leaves to cherish his memories two daughters, Sonja Walker-Maples, Nashville, TN; Ramona Ford (Lorenzo), Little Rock, AR; one grandson Marcus A. Walker; Little Rock, AR; three sisters, Joyce Crockett, Ft. Worth, TX; Gladys Washington (Earl) Humble, TX; and Pauline Scaife, Springfield, AR. Two brothers, Benjamin Walker (Ruby), Springfield, AR; and Michael Walker (Gerri), Memphis, TN. Three sisters-in-law, Nina Walker, Kansas City, MO, Catherine Walker, Richardson, TX, and Harriet G. Gibson (Roosevelt), Chicago, IL., and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.