Walker, Beatrice Virginia

Beatrice Virginia (Bea) Walker, formerly Beatrice Freeman, of Blacksburg, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2013, at Lewis Gale Pulaski Hospital at the age of 87. Bea was born May 8, 1926, in Roanoke to the late Alonzo Freeman Sr. and Bessie (Briggs) Freeman, also of Blacksburg. Bea was an active community member. She was instrumental in the renovation of Order of St. Luke’s and Odd Fellows Hall Museum in Blacksburg and was also a member of the NAACP and the United Auto Workers (Local 2069). Always physically active, she participated weekly, in the “Up and at ‘Em” Senior Bowling League at the NRV Superbowl and competed annually in the Montgomery County Senior Games, where she earned medals in riflery and archery. Though she lived in Blacksburg for several decades, she lived the last 30 years, in Christiansburg. Ms Walker was the youngest and last of five siblings, including, Alonzo Jr., Nannie Bell, Ernest and Haywood Freeman. She was the mother of three children; Delores (Dee) C. Walker of Hickory, N.C.; Leo (LD) D. Walker of Christiansburg and William (Lonnie) A. Walker, of Pulaski. She was also grandmother of eight, Latanya, Fred, Lonnie Jr., Aaron, Danny, Devon, Jamar and Latasha. Additionally, Bea was aunt to 15 well-loved nieces and nephews, including the Snells: Doris Ann, Sylvia, Laverne, Connie, Denise and Sidney; and the Freemans: Charles, Cecil, Keith, Terry, Jackie, Debbie, Barbara Jean, Cookie and Joyce. There will be a wake Monday, January 6, 2014, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A viewing will be held January 7, 2014, beginning at noon, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. All activities will be held at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Blacksburg. The family will receive loved ones, following the service. There is a special request for pictures of Ms. Walker; please send electronic copies to bburglat@gmail.com.