Leona “Daylight” Walker

Leona Walker, affectionately known as Daylight, was born September 16, 1932 to the late Ernest Thomas and Mary Kirksey in Birmingham, AL.  She graduated from Parker High School in Birmingham, AL c/o 1951.  She was united in holy matrimony to the late Linon Houston Sr. After five children and irreconcilable differences, she relocated to Fort Wayne, IN, where she was welcomed by her aunt, Lula Mae Brown.  

Leona, who had accepted Christ at an early age wanted to continue her faith in the Lord.  She joined Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Walker Jr. In addition, she met her soulmate Willie Lee Walker (Samuel Walker’s cousin), and they were later married in 1981.

She was a faithful and active member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.  She sang in the Chancellor Choir, was a senior nurse and served as Jr. Nurse advisor. While on The Mothers Board, Leona was responsible for ribbon distribution for the annual Women’s Day program.  Whatever she was asked to do, she did it with a smile.  

On October 4, 1968, Leona began her employment with Lutheran Homes.  She retired after 38 years of service. She was proud to say she was always on time and never missed a day.  She also worked for Sears Telecatalog. Post retirement, Leona dedicated 13 years as a Foster Grandparent until the     Coronavirus pandemic paused the program.

In her spare time, Leona loved playing bingo, crossword puzzles, being around her family and friends, dancing with her grandchildren, great grandchildren. She loved watching sports, her favorite teams were Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Cubs. Her favorite snack was Reese’s and her favorite song was “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

She leaves to cherish and honor her memory her Sons, Glenn Houston of Orlando Florida, Linon Houston Jr. of Merrillville, IN and Bruce Walker of Fort Wayne, IN; Daughters, DeLois Walker and Vickie Cobbins, Fort Wayne, IN; Brothers, Walter (Theresa) and Bruce Kirksey; Sisters, Katie (Donald) Kimbrough and Shirley Boykin, all of Birmingham, AL.  Grandchildren, Nicole and LaKisha Houston, Roderick and DeMarcus Ensley all of Fort Wayne, IN, ShanQuetta Hayes, Columbus, OH, Brandon (Morgan) Lee, Atlanta, GA and Brandon Morris, Minnesota, WI, 17 great grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

She will be welcomed at the Pearly Gates by her beloved Parents, Mary Kirksey and Ernest Thomas; Husband, Willie Lee Walker; Daughters, Vanessa and Linda Houston; Sons, Kenneth Brown, Roderick, Larry and Alvin Houston; Brother, Danny Kirksey; Grandchildren, Erika Houston and Lynesha Guthery; and Great-Grand JaQuan King Sr.

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