Ms. Madeleine Carol Walker

Madeleine Carol Walker, daughter of the late Frank L. Walker and Rolean (Taylor) Walker, was born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee. As a child, she made her mark in history as one of the first three students to integrate Tigrett Junior High School in 1962, an action that would ultimately start the process of desegregating the Jackson Madison County school system. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1966. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis, followed by a master’s degree in Nutrition at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. During her undergraduate time at Memphis, Madeleine pledged as a sister of the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is survived by seven line sisters: Rosetta Dukes, Janis Fullilove, Suzanne Clark, Diana Haynes, Mary Carolyn Knox, Ethel Muhammad, and Debra Lynch. She was very passionate about her career in nutrition. She began her career at Regional One Health (formerly known as John Gaston Hospital), working there for many years as a registered dietician until she retired. She was known to often stay late at night doing research for clients with special dietary needs. She was very devoted to her family, as demonstrated by her driving to and from Memphis five days a week to care for her ailing mother, even after doing research well into the late hours of the night. She was very loyal to her friends, whom she had many, over the years. Her friends knew her to be a witty conversationalist, a people person, and a lover of music and socializing. She loved recounting memories with her closest friends, sharing stories of the good times they had together at their favorite night spots. She was widely known for her sense of style, as one who probably invented the “layered look” - impeccably accessorized with the right shoes, the right purse, the right jewelry, the right scarf, and the right cap on any given day. She was a consummate gift giver to anyone in her circle for any – whether it was a birthday (she seemed to always know the dates), vacations, memorable achievements, or just because. If she knew of someone in need, they could always count on Madeleine for her support. Madeleine is survived by one brother, Harold D. Walker (Joan), sisters, Terry V. Kennedy and Rhonda L. Hill (Frederick), Carita Holland Marshall (Alexander), Cynthia Holland Younger (Paul), Tabetha Williams (Andre), aunt, Sophira Bradford, a host of family members and dear friends.

Ms. Madeleine Carol Walker

December 23, 1948 - November 13, 2025