Helen Walton's Obituary
Helen Louise Walton was born in Sardis, Mississippi on August 30, 1955 to the parentage of Edward Walton, Sr. and Flossie Wilson, both deceased. She was the third oldest of eight children, namely, Juliette Shorter, Nell Jones, Dorethia Lark, Brenda Walton, Drusilla Jones, Edward Walton, Jr. (deceased), and Darron Walton. Helen was born with rheumatic fever which would mean she would be faced with health challenges all of her life. She faced every challenge with courage and perseverance. On Monday, November 21, 2022, she passed away at the age of 67 after a tough battle with pneumonia. She was surrounded by her family and friends and started her glory journey listening to her favorite gospel song, “God Favored Me”.
Helen attended North Panola High School in Sardis, Mississippi but later moved to California in 1979 seeking a better life for her and her children.
She graduated from Alameda College and attained a degree as a Medical Assistant. In 1983 she worked as the Head Nurse Assistant at the Berkeley Family Medical Practice. In 1991 she began her career at Children’s Hospital working in the Emergency Room and after over twenty-five years she retired.
During her tenure at Children’s Hospital, she served as the Chief Steward for the Union. It was her role as Chief Steward where Helen made life-long connections with her colleagues. She was a strong advocate for employee rights and was known to take her place on the picket lines fighting for the rights of nurses and other allied health professionals. Many, past and present, can attest to her passion and drive as Chief Steward.
Helen was a devoted member of the Ephesians Church of God in Christ located in Berkeley, California for several years. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, and Prayer Warrior. She later became a member of the Kingdom Builders Church in Oakland, California where she was an active member, often volunteering to serve the community and feed the hungry. Her love for the Lord shined through her willingness to give of her time and talents both in and outside of the walls of the Church. She loved to help people, make you laugh and had a very kind heart.
Following her retirement, Helen vowed she would travel more and that is exactly what she did. She was proud to have taken a cruise to Mexico with her daughter and friends, visited her daughter in the Bahamas, took a trip with her son to Hawaii, visited her friends in Montana and Maryland. She visited with her sisters and other family members. She intended to travel more and she fulfilled those desires to the fullest.
Many can tell stories that will generate much joy and laughter involving the many facets of Helen’s jovial, vibrant, and colorful personality. She was an avid Raider fan and an overall sports fanatic. She was known to have a great one liner and was the best at coming up with the punch line even when you didn’t know it was coming.
Helen is survived by five children, LaShon Walton, Marcus Walton (Tina), Tonette Minnis (Randy), Candace and Tyus Christian. She has nine grandchildren, Imani, MiKayla , Marcus Jr., Myles, Michael, Tyara, Taylor, Trinity, and Amaryah. She was married to Tyrone Christian for twenty-seven years and though they divorced, they remained good friends. She will be especially missed by her special support companion, her dog, Spike.
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