Melanie Shari Walker

Melanie Shari Walker was born July 3, 1985 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to her loving parents, Virginia Perry and the late Michael M. Walker, Sr. From the moment Melanie opened her eyes, she was ready to take on the world with her energetic spirit. Melanie confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church where Gaylord Thompson was the pastor. Melanie was vivacious, intelligent, joyful, ambitious, beautiful and extremely talented. Melanie attended Hamilton Elementary School and Riverside. While at Harrisburg High School, she excelled academically being on the honor roll every marking period as well as participating in various high school activities. Melanie applied for many colleges and was accepted to several; but her main goal was to attend Howard University, and she did. She entered Howard University in the fall of 2003; it was there where she really stepped into her greatness as an aspiring entrepreneur. She created her illustrious jewelry brand, “Maylani Jewels,” that was showcased in stores in Harrisburg, PA, Washington, DC, in trunk shows in New York, NY, and even created a special line for the 365 Girl Foundation for girls between Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA, in later years. She helped put together events on Howard’s campus, participating in several fashion showcases while on campus. In the fall of 2005, Melanie found her way to the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, Iota Rho Chapter, one of the largest coeducational professional business fraternities in the country. She was initiated alongside 12 others that formed the “B.O.U.R.N.E. Supremacy” and was given the very fitting name, “Flawless Gem.” Melanie believed in the power of business, specifically entrepreneurship and was an avid leader within the Institute for Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Innovation that focused on supporting and empowering future entrepreneurs. She made life-long bonds at Howard University and ultimately planted her roots in Washington, DC, after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in the spring of 2007. Midway through 2020, Melanie noticed an issue with opening her right eye. She sought medical attention and by October she was diagnosed with an extreme form of neuroendocrine cancer. She courageously fought through her diagnosis and despite very challenging times with treatment she approached her journey with faith and optimism. She did not allow her circumstances to determine the vigor she had for life. She recognized quickly the importance of every minute and decided to have a celebration for her 36th birthday. In true Melanie fashion, she created a beautiful eyepatch with pearls and bling to accent her fabulous birthday dress. Melanie continued to fuel her passion and began working on her consulting business in the summer of this year. She birthed Walker Consulting to assist new businesses with enhancing their business plans, websites and operations. She eagerly established her LLC and began working with clients because helping and supporting was at the heart of who she was. In October of this year, Melanie had a procedure to remove a large portion of the brain tumor, with the hopes of transitioning to radiation treatment. After experiencing unexpected complications from the surgery, Melanie departed this life for eternal peace on November 4, 2021. She was ambitious, fun-loving, an all-around beautiful person. Melanie embraced every inch of life and would do anything for family and friends. Her journey reflects a life well lived and loved. Preceding her in death are her father, Michael M. Walker, Sr.; her grandfather, Robert Stewart; her grandmothers, Eugenia Patricia Watson and Mary (Mae) Pearl Mosley; and her great-grandfather, Preston Jackson. Melanie leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Virginia Perry (Jackson); four siblings, Natashia, Michael, Jr., Marterra, and Sterling; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; her brothers in the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, Iota Rho Chapter (Howard University); and a host of loved ones and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY YOUR NAME. CLICK ON THE PHOTOS & VIDEOS ON-LINE STREAMING OF SERVICE TAB OR MEDIA TAB (MOBILE) AND TRIBUTE WEBCAST TO VIEW SERVICE.

Tributes

Melanie Shari Walker

July 3, 1985 - November 4, 2021