Girlie E Collins Walker

Girlie Essie Collins-Walker, 88, of Windsor, Virginia passed away peacefully at Riverside Regional Medical Center Hospital in Newport News, Virginia on April 24, 2025. Girlie was born to the late Johnnie Collins and Girlie Baker Collins on May 06, 1936, she was one of their twelve children.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, Rural Lee Walker; sons Nathaniel Walker, Roy Walker; daughter-in-law Sharon Walker; granddaughter Kendra Boothe; grandson Alvin Claiborne; one great great-granddaughter. Also, preceding her in death were siblings Joseph, Jackson, and Rochelle Collins; Senora Porter, Rosa Jordan, Shirley Vaughan, Elsie Allmond, and bonus siblings Mattie Uzzle, Monroe White; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Girlie was affectionately known to her family and friends as Essie. Essie attended Isle of Wight Training School, quitting to gain employment to provide financial help for her family. Essie was an industrious worker throughout the years working at various positions at the earlier Luter’s Meat Packing Plant. Essie’s loyalty to Smithfield Foods expanded over forty years until her retirement.

She was a member of New Jones Grove Baptist Church in Windsor, Virginia. She enjoyed reading her Bible. One of her favorite pastimes was completing Word Find puzzles, she also enjoyed watching Daytime Stories and Wheel of Fortune. Even though she would tell her family in her later years, “I don’t do any cooking” however, in her younger years she was one of the best cooks in the family. Whether it was wild caught or store bought, fresh from the garden or personally canned vegetables, or homemade pies, and cakes- she could cook anything.

Essie leaves behind to cherish memories, children Brenda Collins (James); Jasper Collins (Virginia); Eric Collins Sr. (Helene); Felicia Rowe (Jerome); Allen Walker (Kathy); Gregory Walker (Latasha); Gwendolyn Walker; Michael Walker; Roderick Walker and Karl Walker; twenty-five grandchildren; fifty-eight great-grandchildren and seven great great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings Mary Wilson; Erlene Sellers; Otis Collins, Sr.; Frances Adams and bonus sister Lucy Grey (George); sister-in-law Patricia Major, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. All who knew and genuinely loved Girlie “Essie” Collins-Walker will miss her presence immensely.

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 11am on Thursday, May 1, 2025, a Celebration of Life will be held at New Jones Grove Baptist Church. Please keep the Walker family in your thoughts and prayers.