Mrs. Bessie Louise Walker, affectionately known and loved throughout the community as "Ms. Bessie," peacefully departed this life at the age of 81 on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Bessie was born in Jacksonville to the late Otis and Lena Mae Burnett. She entered this world alongside her beloved twin brother, David Burnett. From an early age, Bessie's warm spirit, compassion, and love for people became evident to all who knew her.

She graduated from Stanton College Preparatory School and continued her education at Edward Waters College, where she pursued studies in the medical field. Bessie was a proud member of the Eastern Star and used her beautiful voice to travel and sing with the Blind Boys of Alabama and others, sharing joy through music and fellowship.

Bessie dedicated many years of service to her community. She worked as a medical assistant at University Hospital and later served faithfully with the United States Post Office until her retirement. Her caring heart and welcoming nature made her a beloved figure to everyone she encountered.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Lena Mae Burnett; her husband, Frank Walker Sr.; her life companion, Johnny B. Rodgers; her sisters, Alberta Aaron, Carrie Cowan-Thomas, Kathryn Daniels, Sarah Bradley, Emma Burnett, and Lucy Fortune; her brothers, Otis Burnett Jr. (Jennie), Willie Burnett, and Odes Burnett; her son, Frank Walker Jr.; and her aunt, Ines Jones.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her sisters, Margaret Cummings, Betty Jean Aaron, and Dorothy Aaron; her brothers, David Burnett and Robert Aaron; her sister-in-law, Becky Burnett; her daughters, Lena Mae Burnett Adams and Kathryn Lunford (Ronnie); her sons, Samuel Walker (Marvette), Christopher Rodgers (Tonya), Andre Rodgers, and Gregory Rodgers; her grandchildren, Chiquita Adams, Alonzo Adams III, Simone Walker, Nikika Rodgers, Jordan Forrest, Quintina Sheppard, Billy Sheppard, Curtis Robinson, Crishawn Rodgers, Kyanna Rodgers, Kyotta Rodgers, Na'laisa Rodgers, Christopher Rodgers Jr., Pairs Rodgers, Lena Rodgers, Daija Rodgers, Nemiah Rodgers, Keyonate Thomas, Chavari Cooper, Sasha Bates, Maya Rodgers, Talia Sodinde, Ien Rodgers, Shanika Howard, Andre Robinson, Tommy Clark, Thee Ann Brown, Carlos Brown, and John McCormick; along with a host of great-grandchildren, extended family members, and countless friends who will forever treasure her love and legacy.

Mrs. Bessie Louise Walker's legacy of kindness, generosity, faith, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Mrs. Walker may be viewed on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Carthage Chapel from 3:30 P.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday May 30, 2026, at Greater New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 195 Tallulah Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32208 and the Interment will be in Restlawn Cemetery South.

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florica 32204