Mrs. Bernadine Walker, also affectionately called “Big Mama” was born on August 9, 1925, in Claiborne Parrish, Homer, Louisiana to Mary Grace Merritt and Felix Merritt. Bernadine was one of ten children: William (Douglas), Marie (“sister”), Isaac, Osmon, Red, Webster (her twin brother who died at birth), Enola, John, and Justine. She attended Mt. Superior Elementary

School and completed her junior and high school education at Webster High School in Minden, Louisiana. In 1946, “Big Mama” married Eddie Walker, the love of her life. They migrated to California from Louisiana in 1947, where they lived in Berkeley. In 1953 she and her family relocated to Oakland where they resided until she was called home onDecember 10, 2025. Eddie and Bernadine shared over 55 years of marriage. Six children were raised from that union.

Bernadine leaves to cherish her precious memories, her husband, Eddie Walker(preceded her in death in 2001), children: Richard Walker, Ronald Walker (preceded her in death at birth), Gwynne Walker (preceded her in death in 2021), Parnell Walker (preceded her in death in 2020), Kenneth Walker (Zena), and Rodney Walker (Marilyn); grandchildren: Adanté, LaVaughn, Mia, Antoines, Tory, Parneille, J, Andrea, Rodney, II, Nathan, Angelo, Reggie, Ryan, Jahi, Sterling, Parnell, Randall, and, Joynell; 22 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grand-children and she is survived by several loving nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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