A LIFE WELL LIVED

"Her children shall call her blessed…"

Bessie Gene Baker Walls better known as "My Momma" to her children, was born on February 12, 1932, to the late Eddie Eugene Baker, Sr. and Lona Lee Holden in Jasper, Florida.  She was lovingly reared by her grandmothers, Sis. Susie Lee Baker and Sis. Mary Lee Holden.

She transitioned from this earthly realm on February 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, dedication and love. A hard, kind, and dedicated member of her community, Bessie's impact will be felt for generations to come.

She received her former education at JRE Lee High School in Jasper, Florida with lifelong friends.  Though quiet, she was always full of life and a friend indeed.  When classmates returned to Jasper, they always made it a point to see Bessie.

On March 23, 1946, she was united in holy matrimony with Enoch Walls.  This union lasted for 50 years until his death on March 28, 1996.

Bessie worked as a cook for Sapp's Diner, and a domestic worker for over 60 years.  Her employment included the City of Jasper, Bass Furniture store and Glueck's Chevrolet.  Her work ethic ran deep, and she instilled this trait in all of her children, a fact she was immensely proud of.

"Her children shall call her blessed…"

As a committed daughter, granddaughter, sister, wife, mother and friend, Bessie was an anchor in her community.  She was a dedicated and supportive member of Greater Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church, joining at a very young age and remaining active for all of her 93 years.  Sis. Walls loved the Lord and was dedicated to service.  For many years she led the church's culinary department, and her chicken was famed among the children as the best.  The Culinary Department was truly her ministry, and she served with kindness, great joy and a little fussing if you bothered her pots.

Her dedication to the Missionary Society Department was unwavering.  She was a devout mission sister who gave her best in every capacity.  If it involved the mission, Sis. Walls was there.  Her attendance at meetings and all activities was paramount.  Many times, she was called upon to recite the welcome address on church programs, performing with compassion, a warm heart and loving spirit.  She was a proud Golden Member who enjoyed all travels and activities afforded this ministry.  Sis. Walls had the distinction of being the longest faithful serving member of Greater Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

Bessie Gene Walls will be remembered for her hard work, kindness, and dedication to her community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

"Her children shall call her blessed…"

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents: Father- Eddie Eugene Baker Sr., Mother - Lona Holden, Paternal Grandparents - James (Jim) & Susie Lee Baker, Maternal Grandparents - Bloxham Holden & Mary Lee Rickerson, Husband - Enoch Walls, Daughters - Dorothy Ann, Ann & Charlotte Walls, Sons -Grant & Gerald Walls, Siblings - Eloise Andrews and Samuel Baker, Grandsons - Travis Lee & Dekoven Walls Sr.

Her memory will be cherished always with her children: Enoch Ray Walls, Sr. (Gloria), Aquilla Walls, Vanessa Walls, Katina Walls-Paul (John) all of Jasper, FL, Annie Ivey (Allison) of Live Oak, FL, James Walls Sr. (JoAnn) of Greenwood, MS, Angela Walls of Lake City, Fl; Siblings: Susie Thompson (Willie), Eddie Baker Jr., Willie Baker (Loretta); Sister-in-law:  Shirley Merriweather; Brother-in-law: Charles (Gloria) Walls; 25 Grandchildren, 77 Great Grands, 33 Great-Great Grands, 1 Great Grand & a host of nieces, nephews , cousins and bereaved friends.